Both Representative Wilson and Senator Domenici pressured David Iglesias about a pending case last fall. Iglesias testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee today.
On Wilson:
"What can you tell me about sealed indictments?" Wilson asked, according to Iglesias' sworn testimony before the committee today.On Domenici:
Iglesias said "red flags" immediately went up in his mind about the conversation because it was unethical for him to talk about an ongoing criminal investigation, particularly on matters as sensitive as the timing of indictments.
"I was evasive and unresponsive," he said of his conversation with Wilson. She became upset, according to Iglesias, and ended the conversation.
Domenici also began asking about the local corruption case, which involves Democrats and a courthouse construction project, specifically inquiring about indictments.One of the three people involved was concerned about the ethics involved. The other two are a Republican Senator and a Republican House member.
"Are these going to be filed before November," Domenici asked, according to Iglesias' testimony. Unnerved by the call, Iglesias said he responded no.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Domenici replied, according to Iglesias, who added that the senator then hung up on him. "I felt sick afterward. . . . I felt leaned on, I felt pressured to get these matters moving," Iglesias told the committee.
Did Wilson and Domenici coordinate their calls? That sounds like a conspiracy. And, no matter how those two spin this, Iglesias interpreted their calls in the exact manner they were intended. Political pressure plain and simple.
