Dem Staffer to Face Federal Charges in Chuckaquiddick Case

It's taken since July, but Federal prosecutors are finally filing charges in the case of the Dem staffer, working for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, who fraudulently obtained GOP candidate Michael Steele's credit report in the Chuckaquiddick case:

Federal prosecutors have decided to bring charges against a Democratic researcher accused of fraudulently obtaining a credit report on Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele, now a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate.

Lauren B. Weiner, who has since resigned from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, will be charged with obtaining the report without authorization, according to a letter sent to Steele by the U.S. attorney's office in the District.

A copy of the March 8 letter, which notified Steele that he is considered a victim in the case, was obtained by The Washington Post yesterday.

The episode, which happened last July, came as both parties started digging into the backgrounds of opposing candidates for one of Maryland's marquee races this year, the contest to replace retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes (D). Opposition research is typical in contested statewide races, but it is illegal under federal law to obtain a credit report under false pretenses.

Whitney C. Ellerman, an attorney for Weiner, said his client plans to plead guilty to a misdemeanor under an agreement with prosecutors that could result in the charge being dismissed in a year.

Steele is the GOP candidate for Senate who has been subject to unbelievable attacks due both to the fact he's a Republican, and to the fact that he's a black conservative, something you're not allowed to be according to the Dems.