Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 18, 1993 TAG: 9309180298
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium
Franklin's 10-page suit, which claims he suffered emotional stress and financial loss, was filed in U.S. District Court in Norfolk, The Daily Progress newspaper of Charlottesville reported today. Franklin, a Virginia Beach resident, is asking for $3.5 million, including $2.5 million in punitive damages.
The suit does not name Robb as a defendant.
Peggy Wilhide, Robb's press secretary, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch she had not talked to the senator about the matter and would not comment on it.
Franklin's suit said Robb associates tried to smear the investigator and interfere with his business while he was investigating Robb's behavior in Virginia Beach during the period Robb was governor.
Franklin said the Robb staff was trying to determine who Franklin was interviewing for material he published in his 1991 book, "Tough Enough." The book tied Robb to cocaine parties in Virginia Beach while he was governor.
The suit said Franklin was hired in May 1988 by a former Republican congressional candidate, Dr. Lewis Williams of Richmond, "to conduct an investigation into the often alleged and rumored misconduct of . . . Robb while he served as governor."
The suit said Franklin "immediately began receiving threats concerning his personal and business well-being if he continued his investigative activities."
The defendants are David McCloud, Robb's former chief of staff; Robert Watson, the senator's former political director; Norfolk attorney Robert C. Nusbaum, who Robb hired as a lawyer; and three former Robb friends.
The suit said tape recordings of some of Franklin's private telephone conversations were made and used in violation of state and federal laws. It also said funds of the Robb for Senate Committee were passed through Nusbaum to illegally purchase some of Franklin's telephone records.
A federal investigation of a taped telephone conversation between Gov. Douglas Wilder and a political supporter revealed that Robb supporters and one of Robb's lawyers had used campaign funds to pay for Franklin's business phone records. The probe also revealed that the nature of the payments was falsely reported.
The federal investigation concluded earlier this year without indicting Robb.
by CNB