Counsel Named to Probe Hearing Leaks
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WASHINGTON — New York lawyer Peter E. Fleming Jr. was named Friday as independent counsel to conduct a Senate investigation of leaks during the Clarence Thomas nomination hearings and the “Keating Five” case.
Fleming’s appointment is effective Jan. 1, according to a joint announcement by Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-Me.) and Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.).
The Senate had authorized the investigation on an 86-12 vote.
Fleming, 62, will investigate the leak of law professor Anita Faye Hill’s sexual harassment allegations against Thomas. The disclosure led to televised Senate Judiciary Committee hearings before Thomas’ confirmation to the Supreme Court.
The investigation also will encompass unauthorized disclosures during the Ethics Committee investigation of five senators who had ties to former savings and loan operator Charles H. Keating Jr.
The General Accounting Office conducted a similar investigation of the “Keating Five” leaks and came to no conclusions.
Fleming has been a partner in the New York law firm of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle since 1970. Previously, he was a federal prosecutor in New York.
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