U.S. attorneys file new motion

Two U.S. attorneys from the Western District of Tennessee filed a motion concerning new evidence in the conspiracy involving Dick Scruggs. Because Zach Scruggs did not plead guilty to the bribe conspiracy the motion is to allow evidence against him.

After an FBI computer research team reviwed the files they decided there was eveidense against Scruggs and his co-conspirtors that related to his indictment. They sent duplicates of the evidence via Federal Express to the Scruggs defense team Thursday.

The evidence was acquired during the Nov. 27 search of the Scruggs Law Firm, court documents show.

The motion is to allow prosecutors against Scruggs to have access to the files.

Scruggs' attorney John Keker began talking about a plea agreement Thursday with the government, U.S. attorney Bob Norman said. Whether the new evidence caused Scrugss to plea Friday is unclear.

Also noteworthy developments not mentioned in earlier posts are the differences between Backstrom's plea agreement and Scruggs' plea agreement.

Backstrom has agreed to cooperate with prosecutor's for this or any other conspiracies. He may be required to testify in front of a grand jury or with any agents U.S. attorneys assign to interview him. Whereas there is no mention of Scruggs being required to assist the government with this or any other conspiracy.

Scruggs faces 5 years in jail and Backstrom could spend up to 2 1/2 years.

Governemnt witness against Scruggs Joey Langston pleaded guilty in January for attempting to bribe Judge Bobby DeLaughter on Scruggs' behalf. DeLaughter has not been charged, however he remains under investigation.

Talk among bloggers on a variety of websites continues to discuss if Dickie copped a deal in order to save his son Zach. There are no facts to support this claim.

The Wall Street Journal Law Blog is reporting Scruggs' brother-in-law former Senate Majority leader Trent Lott is under investigation to find out if he played a knowing role in the DeLaughter bribe. Langston's guilty plea shows he and former Hinds County District Attorney Ed Peters tried to use Scruggs connection with Lott to get Delaughter a federally appointed judgeship.

Check The DM news blog for any new developments in this ongoing saga.