LOTF: An American Political Roleplay (116th Congress)

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

The interruption gave Michael a pocket of air. He decided he would respond to Ruler's question before answering Franklin's.

"I've prosecuted cases similar to corruption when I was in the Southern District of New York. We did a lot of good work putting away the Gambino Crime Family and other gangsters. I mean have I faced such rampant corruption before? No, because under previous congressional leadership, they actually knew how to discipline their own members. But this corruption case is only in the early stages, so it's hard to compare with other cases I've prosecuted. In the late 1970's I was apart of the criminal division in D.C. and even then we didn't face as much corruption as we are facing today.

"Currently there is no investigation into the House Democratic Leadership, but we'd have to look deeper into it to see if they have been obstructing justice. I don't think it's very likely, but who knows where this corruption stops. I mean the lack of investigation by the House Leadership into its own members is shocking, really shocking. We'll have to look into it." Michael finished, smiling at Ruler.

“Attorney General Jones, I have told you to take up your concerns of that nature with the Ethics Committee.”

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

Michael nodded along with Ruler, before looking at Atang when he jumped in.

"Congressman Atang, I find your comments about my office down right disrespectful. We have an amazing team over at the Attorney Generals Office, probably the best in the world." Michael paused. "Congressman, have you ever served in the Department of Justice, either as a prosecutor or Attorney General? I'm assuming you haven't due to your previous statements. There are many reasons why charges can be dropped from a case and this case is no different to other cases, just because we are investigating politicians."

"If I remember correctly, charges were dropped due to a mix of not enough evidence and Senator Hawthorn has been extremely helpful into our investigation."

“Attorney General Jones, please walk us through the case against Senator Hawthorne. Why were the charges against him dropped? Did he make a deal, did new evidence come to light?”

[Republick Deutschland]

Rodman glared over at Atang.

What a cunt, he thought.

"Attorney General Jones, is it appropriate to conclude that the Justice Department has handled the case against now-Former Senators Hawthorne and Sharansky well, being that there is still so much we do not know about this case? Keep in mind that your dropping of charges against Luke Hawthorne at this point in time is not suspected of any wrongdoing, and it would be immature to say that your dropping of charges was a political move. Again, to restate my question. Is it appropriate to conclude that the Department of Justice handled this case well, if so why."

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Well, like I said, we dropped the charges on Senator Hawthorn for a combination of reasons. It really started off when the DOJ was tipped off with credible information on the four accused members. We did some looking around, into the financial records and such to determine that these allegations had some bearing. So that day, I woke up, got dressed, gave my wife a kiss and headed to the office to start the investigation. I would compile information we had gathered from some light-probing we had done and then bring it to administration officials. You see, I really didn't want to get involved in all this party-politics but I thought it was only right to deliver justice. I would soon announce the charges against the officials before the public and swiftly raid the congressional offices, thankfully the Capital Hill staff were more helpful than the actual congress members. Afterwards, we questioned some of the accused and Luke Hawthorn decided to speak and provide us with credible information, this was in return for charges being dropped for him. We also couldn't prove some of the charges with allegations so they simply just had to go."

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Well, like I said, we dropped the charges on Senator Hawthorn for a combination of reasons. It really started off when the DOJ was tipped off with credible information on the four accused members. We did some looking around, into the financial records and such to determine that these allegations had some bearing. So that day, I woke up, got dressed, gave my wife a kiss and headed to the office to start the investigation. I would compile information we had gathered from some light-probing we had done and then bring it to administration officials. You see, I really didn't want to get involved in all this party-politics but I thought it was only right to deliver justice. I would soon announce the charges against the officials before the public and swiftly raid the congressional offices, thankfully the Capital Hill staff were more helpful than the actual congress members. Afterwards, we questioned some of the accused and Luke Hawthorn decided to speak and provide us with credible information, this was in return for charges being dropped for him. We also couldn't prove some of the charges with allegations so they simply just had to go."

“I follow. So was this a formal plea deal, or playing favorites? As in, will the Senator plea guilty to his one charge? Also, what was the credible information that he provided, and how was it of value to the investigation or prosecution? Thank you for baring with me and answering these questions I’ve just asked.”

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Thank you for your question, Mr Rodman. I personally would say that it is appropriate to conclude that the DOJ has handled this case well. In fact, I would say we handled this investigation amazingly. My office and the DOJ were given the impossible task, the impossible task of intervening in congressional corruption. Either way, one side was going to call us all sorts of things due to us intervening. That side was the Democrats. We were thrown head first into a partisan cesspool and I think we've conducted the investigation is a proper and well executed way."

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Thank you for your question, Mr Rodman. I personally would say that it is appropriate to conclude that the DOJ has handled this case well. In fact, I would say we handled this investigation amazingly. My office and the DOJ were given the impossible task, the impossible task of intervening in congressional corruption. Either way, one side was going to call us all sorts of things due to us intervening. That side was the Democrats. We were thrown head first into a partisan cesspool and I think we've conducted the investigation is a proper and well executed way."

“If you’ve concluded the investigation, please share your findings with this committee. If you will not do so voluntarily, a document subpoena may be issued.”

[Republick Deutschland]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Thank you for your question, Mr Rodman. I personally would say that it is appropriate to conclude that the DOJ has handled this case well. In fact, I would say we handled this investigation amazingly. My office and the DOJ were given the impossible task, the impossible task of intervening in congressional corruption. Either way, one side was going to call us all sorts of things due to us intervening. That side was the Democrats. We were thrown head first into a partisan cesspool and I think we've conducted the investigation is a proper and well executed way."

"Thank you, and do you concur that there is no basis for any further investigation into Senator Hawthorne?"

Hearing Simpson, Rodman balled a fist. "Mr. Chairman, I'm certain that Attorney General Jones will share the concluding facts of the investigation to this committee without the need of a subpoena. I'd like for all of us to remember that we are not here to berate Attorney General Jones."

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Well the deal hasn't been exactly finalised, since they haven't actually appeared infront of a grand jury and a judge. But it is a fair deal, a real fair deal. I'm assuming you have never really looked into my background chairman, because it'll show you that I have never played favourites before. I won't be disclosing any information that Senator Hawthorn may have given to us, that could put the trial in jeopardy."

"As for the conclusion of the investigation, we are not there yet. I mean we still have a lot of work to do, something you'd probably understand if you actually worked in the Department. I'll issue the document when it is ready to be issued."

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Currently, we have no further plans to launch any more investigations into Senator Hawthorn."

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Thank you for your question, Mr Rodman. I personally would say that it is appropriate to conclude that the DOJ has handled this case well. In fact, I would say we handled this investigation amazingly. My office and the DOJ were given the impossible task, the impossible task of intervening in congressional corruption. Either way, one side was going to call us all sorts of things due to us intervening. That side was the Democrats. We were thrown head first into a partisan cesspool and I think we've conducted the investigation is a proper and well executed way."

"Thank you, and do you concur that there is no basis for any further investigation into Senator Hawthorne?"

Hearing Simpson, Rodman balled a fist. "Mr. Chairman, I'm certain that Attorney General Jones will share the concluding facts of the investigation to this committee without the need of a subpoena. I'd like for all of us to remember that we are not here to berate Attorney General Jones."

“Enough cross talk, Mr. Ranking member. You should know better as the most senior Republican.”

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Well the deal hasn't been exactly finalised, since they haven't actually appeared infront of a grand jury and a judge. But it is a fair deal, a real fair deal. I'm assuming you have never really looked into my background chairman, because it'll show you that I have never played favourites before. I won't be disclosing any information that Senator Hawthorn may have given to us, that could put the trial in jeopardy."

"As for the conclusion of the investigation, we are not there yet. I mean we still have a lot of work to do, something you'd probably understand if you actually worked in the Department. I'll issue the document when it is ready to be issued."

“Then why did you just say the investigation had concluded? And if the deal isn’t finished why has the Department already announced charges have been dropped? Mr. Attorney General, am I wrong to say this smacks of impropriety?”

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"I never said the investigation was concluded Representative, you misheard. Like I said, the deal isn't formalised as we haven't appeared infront of a judge yet, but it will be soon. I wouldn't categorise this as impropriety, you are wrong here. The public deserved an update to the case and while I waste an event, the media asked me a question on the charges and I answered honestly. Not that hard to follow Representative."

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"I never said the investigation was concluded Representative, you misheard. Like I said, the deal isn't formalised as we haven't appeared infront of a judge yet, but it will be soon. I wouldn't categorise this as impropriety, you are wrong here. The public deserved an update to the case and while I waste an event, the media asked me a question on the charges and I answered honestly. Not that hard to follow Representative."

“If the deal is not finalized why have you already dropped the charges?”

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

When Clay sensed an opportunity moment, he jumped in with a question.

“Attorney General, would you say that the corruption of which Senator Sharansky is accused is much more extensive, serious, or substantiated than that previously alleged against Senator Hawthorne?”

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

"Would the Attorney-General say that despite the fact the deal is not finalized, it is unlikely to have any effect whether charges are dropped now or after since Mr. Hawthorne is already incriminated?"

Ruler sighed.

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Like I said, most of the charges were being dropped due to lack of evidence. Most of the charges that remain were misdemeanours and likely would not have affected the outcome of the case."

Michael turned to Clay.

"Yes, Representative I would. Senator Sharansky was very corrupt, very very corrupt. She was probably the main beneficiary of the gifts that were given out by Vye Agra. There's a reason why she resigned first and dodged the FBI in her congressional office."

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

At this point, Ruler saw another opportunity.

"Mr. Attorney-General, has Senator Sharansky complied with the investigation? Or has she tried to muddle the waters?"

[Sanabel]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Like I said, most of the charges were being dropped due to lack of evidence. Most of the charges that remain were misdemeanours and likely would not have affected the outcome of the case."

Michael turned to Clay.

"Yes, Representative I would. Senator Sharansky was very corrupt, very very corrupt. She was probably the main beneficiary of the gifts that were given out by Vye Agra. There's a reason why she resigned first and dodged the FBI in her congressional office."

“Could you provide more details regarding how Senator Sharansky’s corruption was more extensive than that of Senator Hawthorne?”

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"I won't be commenting any further on Senator Sharansky's level of corruption, however, I will say that she has not been helpful in anyway whatsoever, in fact quite the opposite."

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

“Mr. Chairman, with all due respect,” Clay interrupted, privately thinking that that due respect amounted to zilch, “the aim of this hearing was to determine why the charges against Senator Hawthorne were dropped. Attorney General Jones has provided the answer: the charges against Hawthorne were unsubstantiated and were generally trumped up misdemeanors, whereas the charges against Senator Sharanksy were far more serious. To continue this questioning any further would not only be a baseless, partisan witch hunt, it would be a insult to the Attorney General, whose time could be better spent prosecuting Senator Sharansky, and an insult to the American taxpayer, whose time and money we would be wasting.”

[Federal States of Xathuecia]

Ruler nodded.

"I second the comments by my colleague Congressman Clay. Though it is troubling to hear from the Attorney-General, one of our strongest legal experts in this country, that Senator Sharansky was actively obstructing justice. It is true that she was shady. In fact, she endorsed fellow Senator Westra, they were close friends I believe. This is fact. Perhaps that should warrant its own investigation, perhaps he too is muddling the waters? I do not know. It is also possible this information that lead to this discovery came from one of our own, whether a honest congressman like Representative Rodman or Atang or perhaps from someone so against corruption, albeit in a socialist way, like fellow Senator Murphy. We do not. This could be true, it could be false. But the possibility it is possible is worrisome. Would you say so Mr. Attorney-General? That this is worrisome?"

[Sanabel]

“Mr. Chairman, with all due respect,” Clay interrupted, privately thinking that that due respect amounted to zilch, “the aim of this hearing was to determine why the charges against Senator Hawthorne were dropped. Attorney General Jones has provided the answer: the charges against Hawthorne were unsubstantiated and were generally trumped up misdemeanors, whereas the charges against Senator Sharanksy were far more serious. To continue this questioning any further would not only be a baseless, partisan witch hunt, it would be a insult to the Attorney General, whose time could be better spent prosecuting Senator Sharansky, and an insult to the American taxpayer, whose time and money we would be wasting.”

“I believe the American people deserve far more details than the Attorney General has provided thus far. And, with all due respect to my freshman colleague, I believe I have requested the members keep cross talk to a minimum- a request the minority party is struggling to respect.”

[Agarntrop]

"Could the Attorney General elaborate in how Senator Sharansky and Senator Hawthorne have varied in their cooperation? The Attorney General's statements seem to unrealistically portray these indictments as a morality story, trumping up praise for Senator Hawthorne and portrating Senator Sharansky as some sort of villain. I highly doubt these characterisations are fully reflective of the circumstances considering their unrealistic and rather binary nature. Furthermore, presuming these characterisations are accurate, why were charges levelled against Senator Hawthorne in the first place?"

[Meelducan]

House Judiciary Committee Special Hearing

"Very worrisome indeed Representative."

"Representative Atang, like I previously stated, I will not be divulging any information concerning the cooperation of the accused. But like I did mention before, Senator Luke Hawthorne has been helpful with our investigation. I mean if you rally want to go there, both of them are villains, representative. But your white knight crusade to defend Sharansky is wrong. She's a criminal like the rest of them. Charges against Senator Hawthorne were placed against him due to the information we had at the time, yet again something I have already said. Not all of the claims could be proven and some had to be dropped, this is a common occurrence when pursuing a criminal case."