toledoblade.com -- Special counsel sought in Noe case

WASHINGTON - U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) and John Conyers (D., Detroit) are expected today to ask U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to appoint a special counsel to handle the investigation into Tom Noe.

In a copy of a letter given to The Blade, the congressmen argue that Gregory A. White, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, has a conflict of interest that requires the appointment of a special counsel.

The Blade reported last week that Mr. White sought the aid of Gov. Bob Taft in 2002 as White House officials were mulling who to appoint to replace Emily Sweeney, a Democratic holdover.

E-mails released by Governor Taft's office show repeated requests for help, some of which were answered.

Brian Hicks, the governor's former chief of staff, wrote to Mr. White and told him he had talked with Karl Rove, one of the President's top aides, about the appointment.

Mr. Hicks, who was convicted of an ethics violation Friday, has been caught up in the Noe investigation. He admitted that he had stayed at Mr. Noe's Florida home without paying fair market value.

In addition to Mr. White, the congressmen say a conflict exists for Greg Lockhart, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio who is also on the multiagency task force investigating Mr. Noe, because he too is a presidential appointee.

The task force, including the prosecutors of Lucas and Franklin counties, has embarked on a wide-ranging investigation that involves state government. The investigation stems from questions about potential laundering of campaign contributions and about problems with the coin funds that Mr. Noe managed on behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

The congressmen acknowledge that "it is not unusual for local and state politicians to use their influence to obtain presidential appointments for their friends and political allies" but say Mr. White cannot also "review the conduct" of those who helped them.

Mr. White, as he did last week, defended himself and his office yesterday.

"We have career justice department prosecutors working on this case, in conjunction with the public integrity unit of the justice department," Mr. White said. "I don't know what it is that they want to change. We are going to forge ahead with the people we have assigned."

Mr. White's point person on the task force is his top assistant, Craig Morford. Mr. Morford, who also sought the U.S. attorney's post, has successfully prosecuted dozens of mobsters, public officials, and judges.

Mr. Morford's most famous target was former Congressman James Traficant, who was convicted in 2002 on 10 criminal counts, including bribery and racketeering.

"This is a very important case for the state of Ohio," Mr. White said. "I think we have to address this from the standpoint of: 'Were crimes committed and if they were committed they have to be prosecuted.' "

Mr. Conyers has raised questions about whether Mr. White was aggressive enough when the first allegations were made regarding Mr. Noe and campaign contributions to President Bush.

Contact Mike Wilkinson at: mwilkinson@theblade.com or 419-724-6104.

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