November 18, 2008: Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has been indicted in south Texas, along with Vice President Dick Cheney, for the alleged abuse of prisoners at federal detention centers in Willacy County. Gonzales has been charged with halting an investigation on the abuses at the detention centers while still in office.Chron: Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales indicted in S. Texas (November 18, 2008)
Guerra No Show
Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra failed to attend a hearing related to the indictments on November 19, 2008. When reached later for comment, Guerra claimed that he was not aware of the hearing and had been in Mexico at a previously scheduled speaking engagement. The hearing was rescheduled, but the presiding judge, Manuel Banales, reportedly said that Gonzales and the other defendants could waive their court appearances.The Washington Times: Quixotic prosecutor indicts Cheney (November 20, 2008)
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Charged in Willacy County
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District Attorney
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Fact:
Vice President Dick Cheney indicted for conflict of interest and "at least misdemeanor assaults" on detaineesThe Brownsville Herald: Vice President Cheney indicted... (November 18, 2008)
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Fact:
Texas Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr has also been indicted for profiting from public officeThe Brownsville Herald: Vice President Cheney indicted... (November 18, 2008)
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Others indicted
Texas District Judges Janet Leal and Migdalia Lopez, former U.S. Attorney Mervyn Mosbacher, Gus Garza and Gilberto Lozano
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Criminal charges include
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Fact:
Willacy County is located about 35 miles north of where the Rio Grande River empties into the Gulf of Mexico
