Sources: Feds Making the Rounds in Duke LAX Case

Friday, September 14, 2007

(09/14/07 -- DURHAM) (WTVD) -- Disbarred District Attorney Mike Nifong's troubles may be far from over. And that may be the case for several individuals that were closely involved in the Duke Lacrosse case, according to Eyewitness News sources.

While Attorney General Roy Cooper is considering a request to investigate public officials that handled the case, ABC 11 Reporter Tamara Gibbs has learned federal investigators are collecting testimony and other court documents from Mike Nifong's ethics trial and his recent contempt hearing.

Sources say the U.S. Attorney's Office Middle District of North Carolina is considering whether to investigate the case. Investigators are trying to determine whether the civil rights of the former defendants were violated. Numerous calls to the U.S. Attorney's Office were not returned.

Unlike a state probe, federal investigators can call for a grand jury inquiry and subpoena witnesses, if necessary. Sources say a possible state or federal probe could target both current and former members of Durham's police department and the Durham County District Attorneys Office.

Sources tell Eyewitness News that investigators observed Nifong's ethics trial as well as his contempt hearing. But, they have yet to decide whether to start an official criminal investigation.

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