|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
__________________________
|
|||||||||||||
Friends and family of Julie Hiatt Steele, indicted by Ken Starr on January 7, have created this web site (JulieHiattSteele.com) and established a defense fund in her behalf. Ken Starr indicted Julie Hiatt Steele for allegedly obstructing the Paula Jones' lawsuit and his investigation by telling President Clinton's lawyer, the FBI, and the grand jury that Kathleen Willey asked her to lie about the President. Julie told the lawyer, the FBI and the grand jury that she originally had agreed to lie to a reporter for Willey but, realizing her mistake, she retracted the Willey story before the reporter printed it in August 1997. After being vilified by Ms. Willey on "Sixty Minutes" in March of last year, Julie defended herself in the press. Starr's indictment says that was obstruction of justice too. L. Michael Gracik, CPA, of Richmond, VA, and Ben Williamson Hiatt of Alexanderia, VA have been named trustees of the defense fund. Contributions can be made by clicking here. Contributions can also be sent to:
Inquiries may be directed to Ben Hiatt at 703-768-3454.
Over a year ago I made two mistakes. I did a favor for a person I thought was my friend, and I trusted a reporter. As a result, my good name has been damaged, my health has deteriorated, I have had to hide myself and my child from the news media in my driveway, and I have been called here today. I have testified truthfully and completely about those mistakes. Hopefully that ends my involvement in this matter. Although I am a republican who did not vote for Mr. Clinton, I want to apologize to the President and his family. I deeply regret that my mistakes were used to cause them harm, and I assure you that they have not asked me to say that - or anything else - about this matter.
The indictment of Julie Hiatt Steele is as reckless as it is utterly without merit. It is a glaring example of Mr. Starr's gross abuse of his prosecutorial power. Mrs. Steele has told the truth and is innocent. Mr. Starr has clearly timed this baseless accusation in a transparent attempt to unfairly influence the pending impeachment proceeding. The indictment is a backdoor attempt to put Kathleen Willey's immunized "claims" before the public, something Mr. Starr was afraid to do in his referral to Congress. Most alarming is the fact that my office began receiving calls form the press three days ago indicating that Ms. Steele would be indicted today. Mr. Starr has remained true to form by unlawfully leaking confidential grand jury information to the media. I have repeatedly advised the Department of Justice of unlawful, unethical, and unprofessional conduct by Mr. Starr and his deputies. this indictment is also a desperate attempt to punish me for referrals to the Department of Justice. Mrs. Steele, a single mother with a small child who has no political agenda, is being punished for telling the truth. God help us all.
As I have just told Judge Hilton I am absolutely not guilty of these, or any other, crimes. I intend to fight these charges and Starr with every breath in my body. I could never have imagined myself caught in a political storm; I could never have imagined being charged with crimes I did NOT commit; I could never have imagined this could happen in my COUNTRY, a country I have loved and been proud of. My family joins me in thanking the many people who have reached out to us with support. With your help, justice will prevail and I will be vindicated. Thank You.
|
dedicated to JLH
