Justice For Bill Moore: Editor's Update -- Closing Arguments Expected Soon in U.S. Postal Service Prosecutorial Abuse Trial

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The prosecutorial abuse trial underway in the United States District Court, District of Columbia could conclude later this week. The closing arguments are coming after District Court Judge Howell denied the Department of Justice's (DOJ) efforts to have the case dismissed.  The case will be submitted to the jury at the conclusion of the closing arguments.

Over the course of the trial, numerous witnesses have testified that government officials targeted William G. Moore because he publically questioned, challenged and criticized postal service operations and decisions. Moore exercised his First Amendment rights by going to Members of Congress and the media.  Those activities were cited in a "Reasons to Indict" memo that was produced only after a decade of discovery battles.  In one of the prior legal proceedings the circuit judge concluded, "The evidence of retaliatory motive comes close to the proverbial smoking gun: in addition to subpoenas targeting expressive activity, Moore has produced not one, but two Postal Inspection Service documents specifically referring to his lobbying as a rationale for prosecution."

Many witnesses have testified that the tactics and methods used by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and DOJ led to Moore's wrongful indictment.  The criminal indictment charges were dismissed after a six-week trial in 1989 with the judge concluding, "The government's evidence is insufficient, even when viewed in the light most favorable to it . . . In fact, some of the government's evidence is exculpatory and points toward innocent conduct of the Defendants."

The indictment has had a long-lasting impact on Moore's life.  As a result of the wrongful conduct and damage to his career, Moore filed this lawsuit more than 25 years ago.  Expert witnesses have testified that he is entitled to $280 million in compensatory damages from the government.  Moore is also seeking punitive damages.

For additional information: http://www.justiceforbillmoore.org/

Rasky Baerlein | Prism

Dale Leibach
202 207 3630
[email protected]

Deborah Keller Maxson
202 207 3664
[email protected]

SOURCE Justice For Bill Moore