Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 18, 1995 TAG: 9505180058
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Reaching a critical point in its 30-month inquiry of the five-term senator, the panel found ``substantial credible evidence'' that Packwood ``may have abused'' his office in three separate ways and moved to the final trial-like phase of its proceedings against him.
The committee cited 18 instances of alleged sexual misconduct from 1969 through 1990 and said Packwood may have solicited ``financial support for his spouse from persons with an interest in legislation'' and ``intentionally altered diary materials'' the committee wanted.
At the pinnacle of his power after 25 years in the Senate, where he is taking a leading role in debates over the budget, tax cuts and welfare, Packwood faces the possibility of public hearings and punishment that could range from a reprimand to censure, loss of his chairmanship or expulsion.
Among the allegations of sexual misconduct were reports that Packwood grabbed female staff members, lobbyists and others - including a babysitter and a hotel desk clerk - and kissed them, sometimes forcing his tongue in their mouth or fondling them.
In one case, the committee said it had been told Packwood ``ran his hand up the leg of a dining-room hostess and touched her crotch area.'' On another occasion, he allegedly pushed a staff member onto a couch, kissed her and ``repeatedly pushed her back on the couch'' when she tried to get up. In another case, a woman said he grabbed her, stood on her feet, grabbed her hair, held her head back, kissed her, forced his tongue into her mouth and ``reached under her skirt and grabbed her undergarments.''
All the allegations involve a possible violation of Senate ethics rules, the committee said. In addition, in the case of the alleged diary alteration, the committee said Packwood may have violated federal law barring obstruction or attempted obstruction of official government proceedings, including congressional inquiries.
It cited evidence that Packwood may have ``intentionally'' altered his diaries in December 1992 and in November 1993, even though ``he knew or should have known the committee had sought or would likely seek'' the diaries as part of its investigation.
The committee had to go to federal court to enforce a subpoena for the diaries, and it was during those procedings that Packwood's former secretary, Cathy Wagner Cormack, told the court that Packwood altered diary materials.
The committee made no mention of possible legal violations in the case of the alleged attempts by Packwood to obtain job offers for his wife from two lobbyists, two businessmen and a ``registered foreign agent'' - none of whom were named - while the couple was divorcing in the late 1980s.
The panel previously referred materials about the job offers to the Justice Department, which has been conducting an investigation that is expected to conclude next month, when the statute of limitations runs out.
The committee's resolution, which some have likened to an indictment, makes no judgment about the allegations. It gives Packwood an opportunity to respond and to seek public hearings.
Appearing shaken as he emerged from a Finance Committee hearing, PackwoodO voiced surprise that the committee had detailed each of 18 instances of alleged sexual misconduct but declined further comment.
by CNB