Welch, Johnson Reject Plea Deal
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July 13, 2000
They've had discussions, but they don't have a deal.
That's the big story in the government's case against leaders in the Salt Lake Olympic bid scandal.
Lawyers for former bid leaders Tom Welch and Dave Johnson say they are waiting for a new offer from
Justice investigators, after rejecting a plea agreement.
If charges are brought in this case, we could have one whale of a trial at federal court.
But it's not clear that will happen.
It appears a trial could be avoided, but only if Tom Welch and Dave Johnson take sole responsibility for the scandal.
All indications are that's something they won't do.
When Salt Lake won the Games, they were all there to bask in the glory:
Team 2002.
The Governor.
The Mayor.
Then Chairman Frank Joklik, and President Tom Welch.
Just five years later, criminal charges could come any day stemming from that effort--not for the team, but just for two: Welch and former Vice-President Dave Johnson.
But Welch and Johnson have long felt they've been made scapecoats for the tainted scandal.
That's why yesterday lawyers for the pair rejected a plea agreement offer made by Justice investigators, saying it was too wide-ranging.
Johnson's attorney Max Wheeler, tells Eyewitness News that the deal, with a focus on tax conspiracy, was "not even close," saying "we'll listen to any proposal that's consistent with the facts."
More discussions are expected.
Meantime, a meeting today of the Olympic Board of Trustees is the most sparsely attended in months.
Some former bid leaders are absent. Others, like lawyer Kelly Flint and former Executive Committee member Spence Eccles, decline comment.
IOC leader Anita DeFrantz, a member of the original committee, says she's not worried a possible court trial in which Utah's leading citizens are called as witnesses, will overshadow the Games themselves.
"I know that during the time of the games, the athletes are the center of the show, and what they do is far more important than anything else going on during the games," she says.
President Mitt Romney says he's had discussions with Justice officials and lawyers for Welch and Johnson in trying to seek a resolution.
Legal fees for Welch and Johnson are being covered by Olympic organizers.
Romney says talks are underway regarding who ultimately foots the bill.
"What is our insurance company responsible for? We're in discussions with our insurance company about what is their liability and what is not," Romney says. "I would say it relates to what action if ever is taken, as to our current or past employees or board members."
The pressures and stakes are enormous, particularly for Tom Welch and Dave Johnson.
They may not want to put themselves and their families through a long and stressful trial.
But a trial might be their best opportunity to tell their side of the story, that this was a team effort.
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