After his extensive experience as a Washington-based political consultant, overseeing democracy in countries like Iraq and Ukraine, Sam Patton eventually found himself sorting jeans at LL Bean in Maine for a wage of $12 per hour.
Patton, 50, found himself entangled in the relentless focus of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, resulting in his conviction as a felon. He claims that this investigation drained his finances by a staggering amount of $250,000 in legal fees.
The crime he committed was the failure to complete necessary federal forms for lobbyists and individuals engaging in business with foreigners in the US. This particular law, which was established in 1938 to counter the impact of Nazi propaganda on America, is rarely enforced. Patton humbly admits, “I made a mistake as a regular person, and I am ready to rectify it.”
After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to probation. Moreover, the stigma associated with his actions resulted in the dissolution of his marriage and rendered him practically unemployable.
He could be referred to as collateral damage, among the criminals caught in Mueller’s extensive and controversial probe into the supposed Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Although this was a minor concern, especially when compared to the prominent individuals implicated in the investigation, such as Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, who were subsequently pardoned by President Trump for what he denounced as the “Russia hoax.”
This particular inquiry unfolded much like numerous other investigations carried out by these unique legal entities entrusted with ensuring fairness and objectivity in federal inquiries. Whether referred to as special counsel, independent prosecutors, or special prosecutors, their endeavors share certain common traits: they tend to be quite costly for the government, encompass a broad range of matters, and carry significant implications.
These cases serve as evidence for the saying that when a prosecutor dedicates extensive time and resources, they will ultimately uncover a crime to pursue, regardless of its insignificance or involvement.
According to The Messenger, Ted Olson, an esteemed attorney in the nation, compared the situation to a never-ending hunting expedition, emphasizing the significant impact of insecurity. He highlighted how it can potentially destroy lives, disrupt families, and strain relationships.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images captures the moment when Ted Olson, former US Solicitor General, addresses the public following his defense of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) during the oral arguments concerning the termination of the program established by the Obama administration. The photograph was taken outside the Supreme Court in Washington on November 12, 2019.
In the early 1980s, an independent attorney accused him of lying to Congress during his testimony regarding the EPA scandal. He, being an assistant attorney general in the Reagan administration, faced the charges himself and eventually was acquitted. Alongside his notable career achievements, he went on to become the solicitor general in the second Bush administration.
He contested the investigation in court, asserting, “I was aware that I had not provided false information to the Congress, and despite it all, they failed to prove my guilt.” He described the experience as extremely frightening, acknowledging that a conviction would have effectively terminated his legal profession. Undoubtedly, it was an enormous gamble he took.
“leave no stone unturned”
In the midst of two special counsel investigations into former President Trump’s handling of classified documents and his attempts to overturn the outcome of his loss to Joe Biden, Messenger came across multiple previous cases. Now, there is a special counsel examining Hunter Biden’s legal issues, while his father, Joe Biden, is also under investigation for his handling of documents during his tenure as Vice President under President Obama.
Those who have been special prosecutors in the past are highly critical of the process, especially individuals whose lives were profoundly affected, even if they were innocent.
According to John Q. Barrett, a law professor at St. John’s University who collaborated with the independent counsel during the Iran Contra investigation in the Reagan era, one gains insights into confidential matters and individuals’ personal lives in this process. Barrett expresses uncertainty about the potential outcomes, as investigators may surpass their intended objectives. While these investigations do expose criminal activities, he cautions that the federal government possesses the ability to inflict harm on individuals.
Olson suggested that investigators might be cautious about withholding information in order to avoid overlooking any crucial details, hence their commitment to thoroughly examining every aspect of the case.
Monica Lewinsky, a former White House intern, exits the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse in Washington on August 6, 1998, after providing testimony to a grand jury. Following her statements regarding an alleged sexual involvement with President Bill Clinton, Lewinsky was granted complete immunity. The photo was captured by Stephen Jaffe and is courtesy of AFP via Getty Images.
As the investigation unfolds, individuals are left adrift amidst the ever-changing waves of news cycles, with some fading into obscurity while others become infamous.
In the world of political scandals, there are always prominent figures like Fawn Hall, Oliver North’s glamorous secretary, and Monica Lewinsky, Bill Clinton’s famous girlfriend. However, alongside them, there are also lesser-known individuals like the Mar-a-Lago estate manager who faced accusations in the Trump classified documents case. Similarly, there was Bill Clinton’s loyal private secretary who, like many others, was summoned before the grand jury during the lengthy Whitewater investigation that lasted nine years. Additionally, we have the example of two members from the Carter administration who were wrongly implicated in minor charges related to cocaine use but were eventually cleared of any wrongdoing.
‘Horrible things’ can be found from the investigation
Do you recall the passport-gate incident?
DigiNova’s role encompasses investigating allegations that Janet Mullins, a former George HW Bush White House official, aided in uncovering records (such as passport files) suggesting that Bill Clinton attempted to evade the draft. This task was assigned to the former attorney general of the District of Columbia as an independent counsel.
Mullins, along with certain high-level Bush staffers implicated in the scandal, were acquitted by DiGenova after a span of four years and $3 million.
DiGenova informed The Messenger that, recognizing the potential detrimental consequences individuals may face during such investigations, they sent letters declaring their innocence and encouraging recipients to utilize these letters for job applications.
He states, “I informed individuals in advance, ensuring they wouldn’t remain and endure hardships. My utmost concern was avoiding any harm to people’s reputation.”
Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images captured the moment when Joe DiGenova, a former US Attorney, addressed reporters outside the CNN studios after his appearance on the talk show “Late Edition” on June 1, 1997.
Clinton was falsely accused, according to DiGenova, who believed the investigation was unnecessary. Thanks to a law passed during Reagan’s presidency, Mullins managed to recoup a considerable sum of money for his legal expenses.
He achieved great success in his career, while she rose to become the leading lobbyist at Ford Motor Company. Unfortunately, he passed away in April, and Senator Mitch McConnell, who he had previously worked for as a senior aide, delivered a heartfelt eulogy in his honor.
DiGenova and his wife, Victoria Tonsing, find themselves in an unexpected turn of events as they face a federal investigation tied to their involvement in Ukraine alongside their associate Rudy Giuliani. This investigation may involve potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, the same act that ensnared Sam Patton.
a brilliant career derailed
In the early 1990s, Mike Espy frequently made headlines, though not primarily for positive reasons. As a three-term congressman from Mississippi, he caught attention when Bill Clinton selected him as the inaugural African American Secretary of Agriculture.
Then, scam.
The Washington Post published a headline in 1994 stating, “Resignation of Agriculture Secretary.” Another headline mentioned, “Mike Espy’s enigmatic promises and puzzles,” while yet another called for an investigation into Secretary Espy’s actions.
Espy faced allegations of receiving gifts from companies under the department’s regulation, maintaining his innocence despite the accusations. However, independent counsel Donald Smaltz continued his relentless pursuit of the case.
Diana Walker/Getty Images captures US Agriculture Secretary Mike Espie addressing the press on the White House driveway following a cabinet meeting during the Clinton administration.
Espie told The Messenger, “I knew I was not guilty.” “But my family, friends and employees have suffered a great loss. He has nothing to do with the allegations. They went after almost everyone who touched me. They are the ones who have really suffered. I’m sorry about the collateral damage – that’s what I’m sorry about the most.”
During a costly, years-long investigation worth $20 million, “they relentlessly pursued anyone they believed could provide them with information regarding me. Unfortunately, there was nothing substantial to offer. Approximately 700 interviews were conducted with my family, friends, and staff.”
He realized that his path to a more esteemed profession had suddenly reached a halt.
“I held the position of agriculture secretary at the age of 39, while en route to pursuing a different path. However, the accusations I faced impeded the progress of my intended trajectory.”
Espy was acquitted of all 30 charges, which The Post described as a devastating blow to Smaltz.
After the verdict, the prosecutors gathered on the court steps and spoke to the reporters, expressing their belief that justice had been served. “I am confident that the cause of justice has been fulfilled,” he declared.
The reporter inquired, “Mr. Smaltz, what led to your mistakes?”
He responded, “I’m uncertain if I made an error.”
Back to the beginning Whitewater
The extensive investigation, known as Whitewater, commenced with a probe into various financial matters and land transactions in Arkansas. Eventually, it culminated in the release of the Salute Starr Report and the subsequent impeachment of Bill Clinton. Notably, Herbie Branscum, the state Democratic chairman and a close associate of Bill Clinton, co-owned one of the banks involved in the investigation. Branscum often referred to himself as “the country’s lawyer.”
Luke Frazza/AFP via Getty Images captures the moment when Kenneth Starr, the independent counsel, appears before the House Judiciary Committee to provide testimony regarding the Bill Clinton impeachment inquiry.
Kenneth Starr’s allegations, which marked the second Whitewater trial, centered around supposed bank cash withdrawals aimed at benefiting Clinton’s 1990 gubernatorial campaign.
Starr experienced his first defeat as the jury acquitted him.
Even 25 years later, Branscum refused to discuss the matter.
Why?
According to his attorney, Dan Guthrie, these kinds of cases inflict immense trauma on individuals. The level of stress is extremely high, exacerbated by the public scrutiny, and the legal proceedings can extend for several years.
Following the conclusion of the trial, Branscum expressed his wish that it would deter Ken Starr from targeting individuals similar to himself.
This sentiment is pleasant, but it may not align with reality.
an “exemplary professional life”
Sam Patton failed to register for FARA before assisting Ukrainians in purchasing tickets for Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony in 2017, despite not being a Trump supporter. He took complete responsibility for his actions, and according to the government’s pre-sentence filing, it was noted that prior to this criminal offense, Patton had led a commendable and supportive professional life.
When questioned, he found it challenging to acknowledge any positive outcome from the entire incident, except for the concept of “self-accountability”.
It appears that Patton’s early experiences have molded him into a blend of Washington’s power dynamics and the chatty social environment. His family background includes being the grandson of the late Susan Marie Alsop, who held an important position in Georgetown, and being the step-grandson of Joseph Alsop, a highly influential political columnist.
After relocating to Maine as a young man, he embarked on his professional journey by joining Republican Senator Susan Collins’s team. Moreover, he assumed the role of state coordinator for the Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign. Later, he ventured into consulting, providing his expertise for various domestic and international campaigns, yielding varying degrees of success.
After being convicted, he arrived in the shipbuilding town of Bath, Maine, where he managed to secure various occupations including a line cook, Airbnb host, teacher, driver, and local reporter.
He authored a forthcoming book titled “Dangerous Company,” an enthralling autobiography that vividly depicts his numerous missteps and takes readers on a captivating journey through his peculiar escapades across the globe.
prey forever? The relentless pressure of the Mueller investigation was taking its toll on both him and his former spouse, Laura, who served as an intelligence officer. They couldn’t help but wonder if there would ever be an end to this ordeal, or if they were doomed to remain like helpless prisoners, perpetually torn apart by the merciless forces of fate.”
During a recent conversation with The Messenger, he revealed, “I once held the position of a influential negotiator, globetrotting extensively. It may have sounded impressive rather than disheartening.”
Will he eventually come back to Washington?
“I’m relieved to have left Washington,” he promptly responds, emphasizing, “I feel rejuvenated living outside of Washington.”
