The Daily MuckA former CIA-backed Haitian death squad leader was convicted Friday of carrying out a mortgage fraud scheme in the U.S. Emmanuel “Toto” Constant, former leader of FRAPH, was convicted of organizing millions of dollars in fraudulent financing in Brooklyn. (CNN)
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) may support the Justice Department’ investigation into Maryland’s State Police undercover surveillance of activists for over a year. The program, which targeted nonviolent groups such as death penalty opponents and peace activists, was in place in 2005 and 2006. (Washington Post)
The FBI and IRS searched Cuyahoga County offices in Cleveland yesterday in part of a public corruption investigation. In addition, both the county auditor and commissioner were greeted by FBI vehicles at their homes. (AP)
The first week of the military trial of Osama bin Laden’s driver Salim Hamdan has revealed the underlying questions about the system. The first week not only brought late-night interrogation to light, but also has exposed a controversial legal system operating widely out of the public eye. (NYT)
The Scruggs boys, Dickie and his son Zach, want to keep testimony in a Hurricane Katrina lawsuit from going public out of fear that it would negatively affect them in case of future criminal charges. The Scruggs men report to prison next month on charges related to bribing a judge. (AP)
Alaska lawmakers approved Monday an investigation into the possibility that Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by firing a public safety commissioner. There is speculation that Palin fired the commissioner for refusing to fire an Alaska State Trooper who had just gone through a rough divorce and custody battle with Palin’s sister. (AP)