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Former New Orleans city councilman Oliver Thomas has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and was sentenced today to 37 months in a Federal prison. See story here.

It was revealed that Thomas who entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office reneged on his agreement. As part of the agreement, Thomas had agreed to assist the government with prosecuting others who have committed crimes. He later refused, not only to assist, but to even show up for scheduled meetings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Contradictions incriminate

Thomas offers conflicting statements for his failure to live up to his agreement.

Thomas said that he didn’t cooperate because he didn’t want to be a “rat.” In street vernacular, a “rat” is one who testifies against others who commit criminal acts. Thomas also claimed he didn’t know anything to tell them.

Being a “rat” connotes that one knows something. Saying that he didn’t know anything is contradictory. Either Thomas was lying to the U.S. Attorney when he agreed to testified about criminal acts committed by others or he is lying now that he doesn’t know anything.

If Thomas lied to the U.S.A. about knowing of other criminal acts he was incredibly stupid. That would not only be a crime in and of itself, but would be no way to bargain for a lesser sentence.

Thus, by his own words Thomas shows that he failed to live up to his agreement with the Feds.

Rats respond


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C.B.