WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by www.ProtectOurElections.org:

Today, www.ProtectOurElections.org asked the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for making false statements on his AO 10 Financial Disclosure forms every year since 2003 by falsely swearing under criminal penalty that his wife Virginia had no non-investment income.  (http://www.velvetrevolution.us/images/Clarence_Thomas_DOJ_Letter.pdf) Justice Thomas signed these forms under oath after certifying that the information in them was true and accurate.  The forms include a specific warning that false statements will subject the signer to "civil and criminal sanctions."

Virginia Thomas worked at the Heritage Foundation from 2003 through 2007 and earned at least $120,000 each year according to the foundation's IRS Form 990s.  She is now working for Liberty Central in a paid position according to its CEO Sarah Field.  Last Friday, Common Cause wrote to the Administrative Office of the Courts about this matter which was reported by the Los Angeles Times on Saturday.  (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-thomas-disclosure-20110122,0,2413407.story)

"We are asking that the Department of Justice bring criminal charges against Justice Thomas for his knowing and willful false statements under oath, not just once, but at least seven times," said attorney and campaign spokesman Kevin Zeese.  "Supreme Court Justices are supposed to be role models for legal conduct, behavior and ethics, yet Justice Thomas appears to believe that he is above the law.   But just as Bill Clinton was charged for making a false statement while serving as President, no one is above the law, especially not one who knows the law and sits in judgment of others who have committed similar violations.  If Justice Thomas is allowed to merely amend his forms and pay a civil fine, it will make a mockery of financial disclosure law, undermine respect for the law, and create the appearance that those in powerful positions can violate the law with impunity."

SOURCE www.ProtectOurElections.org

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