Independent Counsel Authorization
Action by Attorney General Janet Reno on Investigating Mike Espy
In accordance with the Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1994, I hereby apply for the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate whether any violations of Federal criminal law were committed by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy, and to determine whether prosecution is warranted. On March 17, 1994, there was a press report that Tyson Foods, Inc., a major poultry processing corporation headquartered in Arkansas, was receiving lenient treatment from the Department of Agriculture on a number of pending regulatory issues. The article also described a number of alleged gratuities received by Secretary Espy. Based on the article, the Department…
