Aug. 17, 2000

Should Olympic organizers pay the legal fees to defend Tom Welch and Dave Johnson?

Governor Mike Leavitt is weighing in on that controversial question. He says SLOC should advance the fees.

Leavitt sent a note outlining his thoughts to his representative on the Olympic board--Nolan Karras.

Nolan Karras/Governor's SLOC Representative: "OH, I THINK IT GOES BACK TO AN ISSUE OF FAIRNESS AND A PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE."

Welch and Johnson face fraud and bribery charges stemming from the Olympic bid.

After essentially offering to pay their fees if they pleaded guilty, top Olympic boss Mitt Romney suggested last week that Olympic organizers may pull the plug on paying the fees--leaving Welch and Johnson to scramble to raise money for what would likely be a multi-million dollar defense.

A spokeperson for Romney says "The governor's view is very important to the Organizing Committee."

Welch's lawyer, William Taylor, tells Eyewitness News he agrees with the Governor's stance in favor of paying the fees, saying "It's not only fair but right."