◆ SpookStack

~ aoc and was insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was aware that he was engaging in bribe activities on October 9, 1979. However, reliability is provided by the videotaped episodes, and by the testimony of Congressman Murtha. What interpretation should be placed upon, that testimony and upon what was said and done in front of the video cameras was a function for the jury. There was no @ | way for the government to prove what Criden said to Thompson over the telephone or in Thompson's office. Thompson, — himself; testified to those conversations, but evidently the jury did not believe him. If these events. failed to measure up to the justice department's recommended guide- lines, that might help the justice department: determine whether or not a strong case was "made", but it does not render Thompson's conviction unconstitutional. . 7. Book-writing. rs - Defendants contend that their constitutional rights have been violated because. of alleged book-writing activities by Weinberg, Puccio’and a retired FBI agent, Neil Welsh. Agent Welsh had little contact with Abscam ‘ while it was going on, has not yet written a book, is not shown to be about to, and in any event, is a retired agent over whom the government has no control and for whom it - has no responsibility.