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SN ce it ag ert ane A Sasa erg New York F | March 12, 1982 L-b Senator Patrick Moynahan Senate Office Building Washington, D. C. Dear Senator: he I am dismayed by news media reports of ryt resolution intro- duced in the Senate by Senators Cranston and Stevens calling for an investigation of the Justice Department and its tactics used in the "Abscam" investigation. Self serving statements made by a public official con- victed of violating the public trust by selling his influence, certainly is not sufficient reason for the Senate to consider placing restraints on law enforcement. This action canie out of the expulsion hearing and debate _ concerning former Senator Harrison Williams, who was also quoted as saying, "I didn't get a fair shake from the Ethics Committee". Mr. Williams was convicted after a public trial before a jury of his peers, as guaranteed by the Constitution for all our citizens, We, in this nation, have probably the most complex system of jurisprudence in the world in order to safeguard the rights of citizens accused of a crime. Further, we have a system of appealing convictions to ensure review by some of our best legal minds, which further ensures safeguarding of rights, especially in complex matters of law that a jury may not be able to comprehend. Mr. Williams had his trial, his appeal of the conviction denied, and he is now attempting to use the Senate to avenge his hurt feelings and removal from office. As a public official, I can appreciate a colleague, whose career and reputation has been ruined, warning, "This could happen to you". However, I feel that I conduct myself, in my office, ina manner so that I am confident that I would never be convicted of a crime, for any of my official acts. Which is not to say that I don't make mistakes in judgement which could cause a law enforcement agency to look upon me with suspicion, and initiate an investigation. PARDEE 20 SINC CORR SPST TE ATE PIT