By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-978310.mp3
Dallas, TX – A federal grand jury is to convene Wednesday morning for the second day to hear from prosecutors and witnesses in the investigation of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. KERA's BJ Austin says those involved are taking a low key approach to the high profile proceeding.
On the first day of grand jury hearings in the investigation of Dallas County Commissioners John Wiley Price, reporters lined the sidewalk in front of the federal courthouse. By mid-morning, none of the more notable names on the subpoena list such as State Senator Royce West or former Dallas Cowboy Pettis Norman had shown up.
Those who received subpoenas aren't saying much. Federal officials do not talk about grand jury proceedings. And former U.S. Attorney Paul Coggins says no one talks about what goes on inside that grand jury room.
Coggins: It is a federal crime to leak grand jury information.
Former Dallas County District Attorney Bill Hill arrived at the courthouse, declining to say if his visit to was related to the Price investigation. Hill has been hired by the Mike Rawlings campaign because political consultant Kathy Nealy - who played a role in Rawlings' campaign for Mayor -- is also a target in the investigation into possible money laundering and theft.
The scene at the courthouse was subdued compared to Sunday's rally and legal fundraiser for Price at a Dallas church. Dr. Juanita Wallace, head of the local NAACP, told the standing room only crowd the FBI investigation is all about race.
Wallace: We see this coordinated, concerted attack on African American leaders for what it truly is. We see the foul head of racism.
Former US Attorney Coggins - whose office prosecuted Dallas Council member Al Lipscomb -- says such public rallies and statements do not affect an investigation.
Coggins: It's not going to cause the prosecutors or the agents to back off on their investigation. They've obviously got a wide ranging investigation, looking into a number of different matters. Public corruption cases are among some of the hardest cases to put together. Generally these investigations take years.
And money. The organizers of the "Justice for John" rally now have a website so people may contribute to Price's legal defense. Nealy's attorney, Cheryl Wattley says defending the clients in this case will be expensive.
Watley: You've read about all of the documents that were seized, the boxes of documents that were taken by the FBI. Now, if anybody wants access to those, we have to get them formally copied by copy companies. That costs money. Investigators - that costs money.
Coggins says the public should not expect any quick announcement from the grand jury.
In the meantime, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price is in the office. On Monday, he met with officials in Cedar Hill; with county juvenile department heads, and constituents. Price says he intends to keep a busy schedule taking care of county business.
Related Link:
http://www.justiceforjwp.com