A judge dismissed bank fraud and bribery charges against aging and frail Clark Clifford in the Bank of Credit and Commerce International scandal.
The former defense secretary's lawyer said he would ask the court to seal the record to prevent its use in civil lawsuits.Justice John A.K. Bradley of state Supreme Court agreed Tuesday with both the defense and prosecutors, saying Clifford's "age and ill health prevent his being brought to trial."
From Washington, the 86-year-old Clifford said the ruling was only right in light of the prosecution's "feeble" case and "vicious and venomous" leaks.
Clifford and his protege Robert Altman, 46, were indicted in July 1992 on charges of fraud and receiving bribes. The Washington law partners were accused of helping the Arab-owned Bank of Commerce and Credit International illegally gain control of First American Bankshares, Washington's largest bank holding company.