Trent Lott's name shows up in judicial bribery case .... link

[Alhena]

You will recall that Lott resigned very shortly before his brother-in-law Dickie Scruggs was indicated for trying to bribe another judge than the one referenced below.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/NEWS/801130376/1001/news

In January 2006, special master Bobby Sneed made recommendations that led Wilson's attorneys to seek more than $15 million in fees from the asbestos litigation. Three days after that decision, Scruggs installed Langston as lead counsel, assisted by Balducci.

A month later DeLaughter, the judge hearing the case, ended up rejecting most of the special master's conclusions, concluding Wilson was owed nothing beyond belated payments by Scruggs totaling nearly $1.5 million.

In a May 29, 2006, e-mail obtained by federal authorities, Zach Scruggs told his father's attorney in the case, John Jones of Jackson, that "you could file briefs on a napkin right now and get it granted." Jones responded in his e-mail, "You have misconceptions about Joey and Tim that I hope ultimately do not need to be explored. ... If we win, it will be because the law says we win."

At one point, Peters told Scruggs' attorneys what DeLaughter would really like is a federal judgeship, according to statements.

DeLaughter was among a number of nominees Lott received recommendations for in letters and calls from lawyers and others.

Lott did call DeLaughter as a courtesy but recommended Sul Ozerden. President Bush nominated Ozerden in September 2006, and the Senate confirmed him in April.