Reno Names New Head Of Campaign Finance Probe
By Terry Frieden/CNN
WASHINGTON (June 5) -- Attorney General Janet Reno announced Friday career federal prosecutor David Vicinanzo of New Hampshire will head the Justice Department's campaign finance task force. He replaces the departing chief, Charles LaBella.
Reno said Vicinanzo, who has prosecuted public officials, Hell's Angels and Honda dealers, will arrive this summer and serve as LaBella's principal deputy for a transition period before LaBella leaves to take the position of interim U.S. attorney in San Diego.
LaBella's departure prompted harsh criticism of Reno by some newspapers and Republicans who claim the transfer of the respected LaBella in the middle of the investigation indicates Reno is not serious in pursuing the charges. Critics have used LaBella's leaving to renew their calls for an independent counsel to look into the allegations of illegal Democratic campaign fund-raising.
Vicinanzo has prosecuted local and state officials on public corruption charges, including bribe-taking, extortion, fraud and tax evasion. He supervised the prosecution and 1995 convictions of 23 former Honda dealers and executives for commercial bribery. He also convicted 15 members of the Hell's Angels on narcotics and violent racketeering charges.
"David Vicinanzo is one of the federal government's top prosecutors and he is the right person for the job," Reno said in a written statement.
Reno's statement announcing the appointment of Vicinanzo included backing from a Republican. She cited strong support from the former Republican attorney general of New Hampshire, Jeff Howard, who served in the Bush administration's Justice Department.
Reno also praised LaBella for taking over the task force last year when it came under intense criticism for failures and internal rivalries. "Chuck LaBella should be proud of his record. He has helped restructure the task force, he has gotten results, and he has set high standards and a high energy level that I want to sustain," Reno wrote.
During LaBella's tenure the task force brought charges against Democratic political supporters and fund-raising operatives Johnny Chung, Charlie Trie and Maria Hsia.
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