Legal defense fund set up for Gonzales

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Friends of former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales have established a legal defense fund in light of a federal tampering and perjury investigation.

David Leitch, a friend of Gonzalez' and lawyer at the Ford Motor Co., suggested in an e-mail to potential contributors they donate between $500 and $5,000, since Gonzales does not have the money necessary to defend himself at the conclusion of the Department of Justice inquiry if prosecution is recommended, The Washington Post reported.

The investigation is looking into whether Gonzales committed perjury or improperly tampered with a congressional witness in hearings over whether the dismissal of nine U.S. attorneys was politically inspired.

"In the hyper-politicized atmosphere that has descended on Washington, an innocent man cannot simply trust that the truth will out," Leitch wrote. He said Gonzales' lawyer, George Terwilliger, had "substantially reduced his fees to represent Al Gonzales, but the costs will likely be high nonetheless."

The newspaper quoted sources as saying the investigation should be completed within several months.