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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Governors Indicted

Governors recently indicted while in office:

Gov. David Walters of Oklahoma, indicted in September 1993 on a misdemeanor campaign law violation. In a plea bargain a month later, he admitted he encouraged a contributor to give more than the $5,000 maximum allowed under state law. Eight felony counts were dismissed.

Gov. Guy Hunt of Alabama, indicted Dec. 28, 1992, on 13 felony charges including theft of $200,000 from his 1987 inaugural fund. Hunt was convicted in April 1993 on a single felony ethics count. He was accused of using his public office for private financial gain by transferring $200,000 from a tax-exempt, 1987 inaugural fund into his personal accounts.

Evan Mecham of Arizona, indicted in 1988 on fraud and perjury charges for allegedly hiding a campaign loan. A jury acquitted him, but only after he was removed in an impeachment conviction by the state Senate on other grounds.

Edwin Edwards of Louisiana, indicted in 1985 on federal racketeering charges in connection with nursing home and hospital projects. His first trial ended in a hung jury; a second jury acquitted him in 1986, and voters returned him to office in 1991.

Associated Press