Scott J. Bloch, a former Special Counsel for the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) under the leadership of President George W. Bush from 2003 to 2008, stated in an interview with The Tennessee Star that the Biden administration’s Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security officials could face prosecution for election interference and potentially influencing the 2024 election, based on a provision of the 1939 Hatch Act, now known as 18 U.S.C. 595.
In response to a query from The Star’s, Bloch expressed his concern about current practices in the Biden administration that seem to overstep what he had investigated during his term at OSC. He pointed out numerous instances where he believes the justice system has been manipulated to influence elections and suppress political opponents’ speech by DOJ and Homeland Security.
During his tenure at OSC, Bloch led several administrative prosecutions for Hatch Act violations. He also initiated extensive investigations into federal government actions that might have influenced national elections. These investigations resulted in significant reports on inappropriate use of federal resources for political gains.
Bloch warned that if he were still serving as Special Counsel, he would refer individuals within the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to DOJ for criminal prosecution under 18 USC 595 if there was sufficient prima facie evidence of intent.
The language used in 18 U.S.C 595 is notably broad, covering any person employed in an administrative position who uses their official authority to interfere with or affect various political nominations or elections.
Despite this clear stipulation, few if any prosecutions have been brought under 18 U.S.C. 595 due to the statute’s vagueness and broadness, as stated by a former DOJ official. Bloch also mentioned that other statutes beyond 18 U.S.C. 595 might apply in these cases.
The current Special Counsel of OSC is Hampton Dellinger, who was sworn in on March 6, 2024. His appointment was confirmed by a narrow margin in the U.S. Senate.
Bloch’s tenure at OSC ended amid controversy and legal battles. He faced accusations of obstructing justice by deleting computer files, which led to an FBI raid on his home and office in May 2008. He was eventually removed from office by the Bush administration.
Despite these challenges, Bloch continues to practice law in Washington, D.C., holding licenses in the District of Columbia, Kansas, and California.
Source: tennesseestar.com
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