November 19, 2008
Posted: November 19th, 2008 04:50 AM ET
Vice President Dick Cheney
Vice President Dick Cheney

(CNN) - A grand jury in south Texas indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on separate charges related to alleged prisoner abuse in federal detention centers, Willacy County District Attorney Juan Angel Guerra told CNN Tuesday.

On the southern tip of Texas, Willacy County is on the United States-Mexico border.

Democratic state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. is also charged in the indictment. Michael R. Cowen, an attorney for Lucio, issued a statement calling Guerra a "one man circus."

"In the March 2008 Democratic Primary, 70 percent of the Willacy County voters elected to remove Juan Guerra as Willacy County District Attorney," Cowen said in a statement. "Now, with only a few weeks left in his term, Mr.Guerra has again chosen to misuse his position in an attempt to seek revenge on those who he sees as political enemies."

Cheney spokeswoman Megan Mitchell said, "The vice president has not received an indictment."

The Associated Press reported that the indictment stems from Cheney's investment in the Vanguard Group - an investment management company that reportedly has interests in the prison companies in charge of the detention centers. It also charges Gonzales halted an investigation into abuse at the detention centers while he was attorney general.

Filed under: Dick Cheney


Joan   November 19th, 2008 9:40 am ET

Unfortunately, nothing will happen with this. It will be left up to history to indict Bush and Cheney.

I sure hope history portrays them as the misdirected people that they are. They have set back the global image of America at least 0 years.

Ellen M. Wolfe   November 19th, 2008 9:39 am ET

I wish you posters would proof read your comments. Your misspellings/typos make you look ignorant. I don`t believe Cheney et al will be held accountable, and I also believe President Bush will pardon "poor" ex Governor Ryan before he leaves office. The law doesn`t work the same for the rich, the powerful as it does for the rest of us common folks but I don`t envy them. I`d rather be an average citizen and sleep well at night.

Rolling eyes   November 19th, 2008 9:39 am ET

What's the point you know he will be pardoned as Bush leaves office.

GA Independent   November 19th, 2008 9:38 am ET

This brightened my day to see "Cheney" and "Indictment" in the headline... Wouldn't it be nice if Cheney was actually tried for his criminal behavior?

Jason   November 19th, 2008 9:38 am ET

I honestly couldn't care less how we interrogate terrorists. If your part of an organization that slams airplanes into buildings full of innocent people, or one that detonates bombs in schools or cafe's you don't deserve rights, or the same treatment as regular people. Good for Bush and Cheney for making a distinction that these terrorists aren't human and don't deserve to be treated as such.
(no I am not being sarcastic)

Maggie from Virginia   November 19th, 2008 9:36 am ET

I know everyone blame Bush and Cheney for the failures of the last eight years. I blame the American people for placing them in office. It was quite obvious that these men were devils. But, we are making up for it now by electing the right people this time. Thank God!

Chris   November 19th, 2008 9:36 am ET

Obama should put this to rest within the first week of his term by pardoning both Cheney and Gonzales. Although Cheney is a dispicable and evil person, it does the country no good seeing its former leaders in jail, especially when a significant portion of the population was complicit in the crimes.

However, full investigations are still necessary in order to bring any questionable and illegal activity of the current administration to light. Only then can we learn from the mistakes.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   November 19th, 2008 9:36 am ET

Finally–justice may be served (at least some of it) for the citizens who have been manipulated and deceived by this man.

Pete   November 19th, 2008 9:35 am ET

I'm writing a book about the Bush administration trampling on the rights of US citizens. Please respond with specific examples of how your rights have been trampled, and I'll include them in my book. No generalities, I need specific examples.

sick n tired   November 19th, 2008 9:34 am ET

This is good news but unfortunately nothing will happen! He has far too many powerful friends that will protect him! Which is very sad to say the least!

Doug R.   November 19th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Obama's Attorney General and the Justice Dept. will be prosecuting...Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rove, Gonzales, and others...after Jan. 20, 2009. They know it.

Pete   November 19th, 2008 9:33 am ET

I own Vanguard too, so I'm guilty. I dare him to come to my house to arrest me. I have a surprise for him if he shows up.

arc, Lugano CH   November 19th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Cheney should be indicted for Treason in the United States and for War Crimes and inciting Genocide at The Hague. He's a traitor and a war criminal.

Ian   November 19th, 2008 9:33 am ET

What would Obama do?

Michael   November 19th, 2008 9:31 am ET

I would think twice about letting Vanguard handle my investments. I didn't know about this.

Chicago GOP   November 19th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Do you all realize that if we spend the next eight years focusing on what was done during the past eight years, we will never move forward. I know the liberal media loves to have something to sell, but we can never move forward without letting go of the past. As a republican, it has been difficult to watch my party shift to the far right over the past 8 years (I'm now considering myself closer to libertarian than republican), but we need to let go. The reputation of these figures is tarnished. Let's move on and progress to the change America needs. Nothing will ever happen with any sort of proceeding against the bush administration. I wouldn't be surprised to see Obama lay down a blanket pardon on the administration so he (and his administration) can move forward and take action to correct what has been done. This is what is called in the financial world as a sunk cost. It has already been occurred, so forget about it and move on.

Bubba   November 19th, 2008 9:30 am ET

Joe, that sounds about right to me. Anybody who voted to get us into this dumb war should be kicked to the curb, regardless of party. Throw them ALL out. But first, let's find out what they did in office. Remember, we spent seventy-six billion to investigate Bill Clinton's sex life. I'd spend that much to find out if Bush/Cheney caused 9-11, and they should be happy to be cleared of these accusations.

Bobby-Wightman-Cervantes   November 19th, 2008 9:27 am ET

First, Willacy County is not on the Texas-Mexico Border. It is about a 50 minute drive.

I do not know if the indictments are bogus or not. But here are a few simple facts on Michael Cowen. His uncle works for State Senator Lucio Jr. His father is a Board Member of the Brownsville Navigation District. State Senator Lucio Jr. was paid consulting fees by an engineering firm to develop a bridge between the BND and Mexico. 21.4 million was spent. There is no bridge.- Nothing – zilch – nada.

The entire mess has been covered up by the BND Board and the DA of Cameron County. If Michael Cowen is going to discredit DA Guerra should he not have to tell the press his family's role in what the Texas Monthly magazine called "Sucio Lucio?"

Jasen   November 19th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Seriously, what's the point of indicting them now? they're going to get pardoned as soon as the charges are read. This is a conspiracy. The court system in Texas is saving these guys by charging them while Bush is still in office so that way the presidential pardons can save them.

SueB   November 19th, 2008 9:25 am ET

He's been indicted for having investments in mutual funds? Surely you folks on here aren't really excited about that. This will be a hayday for lawyers! When are they going to come after you and I for our mutual fund investments? Let's see, there's the person who slips and falls at WalMart, then sues all mutual fund holders who have investments they may or may not have even known about in WalMart? After all, we own a miniscule stake of WalMart, therefore we are responsible. Or how about the guy who has a car accident, then sues everyone who has mutual funds that have investments in the car company. Hey, you own a small stake, so of course you're to blame for the faulty brakes or whatever caused the accident! Before rejoicing, you should think about the consequences if this actually goes through the court system.

Steve A. , New Braunfels , Texas   November 19th, 2008 9:25 am ET

That group of people up there ( the bush club ) take care of there own. nothing will come out of this, it will be just swept under the rug with the rest of there wrong doings.

JFK   November 19th, 2008 9:25 am ET

Its about time! These thugs have gotten away with a lot so far.

Chad in NC   November 19th, 2008 9:24 am ET

I just love the spelling and grammar of all these democrats. It's hard to believe that statistics say they're the educated ones, but then again degrees in philosophy, art and film appreciation and women's studies don't do much to educate one about government, finance or how to be productive members of society.

happy thanksgiving   November 19th, 2008 9:16 am ET

this is good, but cheney needs to be charged for helping start the araq war , when he and bush knew there was not a just reason to do this. 911 was terrible, but to destroy america, tell me what have they accomplished?

Kevin P   November 19th, 2008 9:16 am ET

What are the chances W will pardon them........hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......semms likely.

imagine   November 19th, 2008 9:14 am ET

hey, Dawn! The phrase you are looking for is "good riddence to bad rubbish."

Joe from Utah   November 19th, 2008 9:14 am ET

I think that Cheney is one of the most frightening people ever to serve in the executive branch. His blatant disregard for the law, the constitution, and morality set a frightening precedent. That said, this post seems like pretty irresponsible reporting... a lame duck indictment by a district attourney? Obviously, any serious legal review of the actions of the Vice-Presidents office over the last eight years would take place at the federal level. I'm sure lots of people come on this website, read the headlines, and move on. This means that your headlines should be more representative of what actually happened.

ap   November 19th, 2008 9:14 am ET

it doesn't matter what the grand jury does – lame duck Bush will simply pardon him before he leaves office.

Catherine   November 19th, 2008 9:11 am ET

Well, I say about freakin' time! I hope it sticks! Nancy Pelosi should never have agreed not to go after Bush and Cheney - they both deserve to be prosecuted (and should've been impeached).

Thank God their time is almost over. Can't wait to read all the upcoming books from different people in their administration who want to tell us the real story about what went on, starting with Donald Rumsfeld!

SBP, Syosset, NY   November 19th, 2008 9:11 am ET

Joe: "O, know that's right, lets spend some more of my tax dollars on some B.S. So what they abused some prisoners"

Please - it was YOUR party that spent millions of dollars IMPEACHING Clinton for cheating on his wife. I didn't see Rush and Sean saying that was a waste of time.

LyonsPhilly   November 19th, 2008 9:11 am ET

I'm sure Bush belongs somewhere in there.....I'm sure a lot will come out as they get closer to leaving office. They should all be behind bars

Arlene   November 19th, 2008 9:11 am ET

It is about time this criminal mastermind was indicted. There are far worse crimes committed by Bush and Cheney. The Iraq War has killed over four thousand of our soldiers and unknown amounts of Iraqis. Both these soulless people should be tried at the Hague for war crimes.

Also, recently Scott McClellan was on C-Span Book TV. He has stated in his book that Bush gave the OK for the outing of CIA Agent Valerie Plame.

To you Republicans, your party is in a world of hurt right now because of all this. I see a pardon in the works for Cheney.

Who knew that Bush would redeem Richard Nixon and make his administration look like sainthood?

SpeedyDemon   November 19th, 2008 9:08 am ET

For your information folks, Chaney has been indicted and not convicted. The President has a right to pardon convictions. He does not have the power to overturn indictments. He cannot pardon Chaney unless he's convicted by a court of law and sentenced. It's highly unlikely that will happen prior to Jan. 20, 2009.

S.M   November 19th, 2008 9:07 am ET

Cheyney and his co-horts need to be indicted for mis-use of power. They have over reached their authority and this is unfair. The question is whether he along with others will serve any jail time?

James Flaherty   November 19th, 2008 9:05 am ET

Vice President Chaney told an oil conference in London in 1999 that the oil needed in the future would have to be gotten from the middle east. Three years later at the urgings of Dick Chaney and his neocon posse, the United States invaded Iraq under false pretenses.

They need to add the charge of murder to the others for the tens of thousands of innocent men, women, old folks, cripples, and children who have died in the oil wars in Iran and Afghanistan. And they need to add George W. Bush's name and several other administration officials to the indictment. Perhaps war crimes might be a more apt charge. America needs to stop using oil from overseas suppliers and produce her own energy, so there is never again justification or any type of political cover for this type of behavior.

Bruce   November 19th, 2008 9:04 am ET

first of many

PardonMe   November 19th, 2008 9:04 am ET

George W. Bush will unfortunately Pardon these guys.

George   November 19th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Judging by the inane comments posted by the Obamabots below and above, I think I know why this country is so messed up.

Here's today's challenge, hypocrites:

Why not call for a trial for Clinton, for authorizing bombing in Bosnia, and getting American boys killed in Somalia?
Jimmy Carter, who oversaw a doomed mission to rescue hostages in Iran that got a bunch of our valiant troops killed.
JFK and LBJ, for the deaths of thousands of American servicemen and millions of Vietnamese.
Harry Truman, for authorizing two atomic bombings. (Never mind that by doing so it ended the war and saved millions of lives that would have been lost in a conventional invasion.)
FDR, who got the US into WW2. Surely you can lay some of those 40 million deaths at his door.

Iraq is no longer sponsoring terror. They are going to be the seeds of democracy in the Middle East, which is filled with dictatorships. We have not been attacked since 9/11. Thank you President Bush.

Deana   November 19th, 2008 9:03 am ET

If you aren't from the area of where this DA is from, then you are excited. Juan Guerra is a moron who is about to leave office. I'm a Dem, but I also know that this dude is NUTS.

Helen   November 19th, 2008 9:03 am ET

What a rotten person this man is. Is he human. I hope we get him, put him in prison and throw away the keys.

Shannon   November 19th, 2008 9:02 am ET

This is silly and a waste of resources. The stupid things people will do to get on TV never ceases to amaze me.

Stick   November 19th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Although I would absolutely love to see Cheyney and Bush in jail, this is just not reality. They will wash their hands of this mess they created in January only to retire in peace in Texas and Wyoming respectively. I could only hope that they may have a conscience, but I feel people like them live a shallow, arrogant lives while others suffer because of their rogue behavior.
I despise white trash.

What?   November 19th, 2008 8:59 am ET

Is everyone who has investments with Vanguard going to be indited? My employer retirement plan along with many others that I know is invested in Vanguard.

Toby   November 19th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Such things have been done before by local "authorities," always with no practical result whatsoever. Sure, it makes us feel good for a moment. But then we once again realize that the people who have the real power to do something prefer to do nothing.

Justice for all   November 19th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Get ready to burn, Cheney.

Disgusted in Cary North Carolina   November 19th, 2008 8:57 am ET

FINALLY!! However, like his buddy Carl Rove, he'll find a way to shake it. If any one of us did 1/100th of what these crooks and thugs did, we'd be locked up for YEARS! Some system!

scott p   November 19th, 2008 8:57 am ET

Time to put Dick Cheney behind bars where he belongs. This Republican administration has driven this once great nation into the ground and trashed the rights of the constitution. Now that the left has won it's time to make the right pay! Let me clue you in Bush/McBush supporters, you have lost and now it is time to face legal charges for your illegal actions!

John   November 19th, 2008 8:56 am ET

To bad all of you that are bashing Bush and Cheney never read the article. There is a Democrat named on the indictment as well. This will never see the light of a courtroom.

Bush and Cheney are not going to face any type of tribunal or court for anything that has happened the last 4 years. Get over it and deal with it. It's time for this country to move forward. Wasting taxpayer dollars on any of this is not going to change the future.

Obama has already said he is sending more troops to Afghanistan. So while they may leave Iraq they most certianly are not coming home anytime soon.

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   November 19th, 2008 8:53 am ET

It is too bad that the media has to react every single time Osama bin Laden or his henchmen have even one syllable to say.

It just gives bin Laden credence.

Right this minute CNN is going beserk over the latest release of tapes from bin Laden's #2 idiot.

Joey Jojo   November 19th, 2008 8:52 am ET

LOL, all this talk of impeachment to remove Bush of office. You do know that Clinton was impeached, right? Seems like he made the rest of his term ;) .

I know many just have blind hatred for Chaney and Bush at this point (and would want nothing more that than for them to rot), but this is just a waste of a charge that will waste money. Nothing will come out of this because there is not enough time to get anything going before Guerra is out.

Get over it and move on. Besides, having been overseas for some "military vacations", I can honestly say what was done is no where near as bad as what was being done by the other side.

John Anthony Castro   November 19th, 2008 8:52 am ET

Don't bring out the pom-poms yet. Remember, this is coming from a rogue lameduck District Attorney who only got 30% of the vote in the recent elections. While some may view this as irrelevant, it is extremely relevant in our political judicial system.

My guess is that the Cheney Legal Team will quash the indictment and move on with business.

Next Door Neighbour   November 19th, 2008 8:51 am ET

This is nothing more than showing face. All political system is nothing more than organized crime which is legal. Sex, lies murder, stealing and cheating without any penalties. No wonder all criminal and criminal intent aspire to become polititions

HouseDiva   November 19th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Bush/Cheney and the whole administration should be tried for war crimes..corruption...abuse of power..conspiracy...incompetence...blackmail... treason...and theft.

CNN quit practicing yellow journalism and INVESTIGATE the Bush administration!!!!

John Anthony   November 19th, 2008 8:51 am ET

Both should also be indicted, along with Bush and Rumsfeld too, for war crimes and crimes against humanity for the illegal and deliberate attack on Iraq!

Tony   November 19th, 2008 8:51 am ET

This DA will go down as a joke.

Plus all these Dems on the board fighting for punishment.... Be careful what you wish for in the political world, the tables will turn one day and I hope the Republicans can get as vindictive as the Dems so as to ruin a career like they are so willing to do.

gbrown2   November 19th, 2008 8:50 am ET

GOOD!!!! CHENEY'S A CROOK AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL!!!!

CMG   November 19th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Really, let's be honest, what is the likelihood of these two creatures going to jail?

petena   November 19th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Its a pardoning strategy. Bush can not pardon Chenney unless he is indicted about something. So......now we will get pardoned and come out clean. Now the question remains who will pardon Bush? Talk is out there that it has never been done but he might just "pardon himself". I just don't understand why we impeached Clinton over a sex charge that was NOT OUR BUSINESS but did not IMPEACH the current CRIMINALS we have in the White House.

Tom in S.A.   November 19th, 2008 8:49 am ET

The start of the crazy left wasting time and $$. He gets voted out and now goes after anyone who he doesn't believe in politically, well obviously he was voted out for good reason, sounds like a lunatic Dem, and this will just be the start of wasted time and $$ just like bringing baseball players to D.C. I sure hope your beloved Obama does what he says and clean that place up.

Chas in Iowa   November 19th, 2008 8:49 am ET

The depth of the crimes commited by the Bush administration has yet to be acknowledged by the general public.
Cheney and Bush need to be brought up on charges of treason, then turned over to the world courts and sent to the Hague for trial of war crimes against humanity.

Rose L Bethesda, MD   November 19th, 2008 8:47 am ET

This is silly. Millions of other Americans invest in Vanguard that means any one of them should have been indicted. This DA is on his way out the door anyway. What a waste of taxpayer dollars.

All these other posters who are so adamant that Bush and Cheney should be prosecuted would rather have been attacked again after 2001. They did what they had to do to keep us safe.

AJ in CT   November 19th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Goin' nowhere.

Thank you President Bush and Vice President Cheney for no terrorist attacks on US soil since 9/11.

grahame   November 19th, 2008 8:46 am ET

OK Mr Moderation you may be right but that won't save them.

Robert - Florida   November 19th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Don't impeach...INDICT!!!

Brian   November 19th, 2008 8:46 am ET

I need more information but going after the Texas state senator makes this feel like a ham sandwich type of indictment. Horray for political circuses.

Virginia   November 19th, 2008 8:46 am ET

Has everyone forgotten about the 3,000 people killed on 9/11? Frankly I don't care how al qaeda members are treated--after what they did to us, it doesn't matter.

Robert of Long Island   November 19th, 2008 8:46 am ET

these self serving punks probably won't get a thing! Most of this administration can be questioned...

Bush
Cheney
Rice
Rumsfeld

have all misled this nation and pushed their own self serving agendas.

jenny   November 19th, 2008 8:45 am ET

The topic for the next Republican summit will be "How to stay out of JAIL"

Junius   November 19th, 2008 8:45 am ET

-Joe-

They voted to go to war, not to house and torture many innocent people and a few criminals. Why do you think not even one trial has started. The only evidence they have on most of these guys was obtained from torture. This torture was mandated by Bush and Cheney and not voted on by neither of the two houses!

And so what if this guy is a one man circus, even a clown can see these guys are war criminals, right up there with Pinochet, Stalin, Sadam and that serbian guy.

peepitude   November 19th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Wait a sec.... Vanguard has interests in the prison companies? Dang, I have investments in Vanguard mutual funds. Well, not that they're worth anything anymore....

devon spencer   November 19th, 2008 8:42 am ET

Bush will definitely pardon them.

midwest mom   November 19th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Good, lets find a hole where Bush, Cheney and Bin Laden can all reside together...

Republican for change   November 19th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Republican Leaders - here's another chance to fix the brand image of the GOP.

No gimmicks or pardons for fellow cronies. After all we have to be very very tough on crimes right?

Jeff Brown   November 19th, 2008 8:37 am ET

EXCELLENT! Drag it out long enough for Bush to leave office and deny him the ability to issue this piece of garbage a pardon!

cnn junkie   November 19th, 2008 8:37 am ET

funny fox news has not mentioned it,lol
cnn rocks

urinmymachine   November 19th, 2008 8:36 am ET

The memo from the white house about why they had to ignore the Geneva Convention and carry out necessary torture was one of the greatest tragedies of our lifetime. It has produced nothing but more lies, even from those being tortured...

We should expect not only Cheney, but Rumsfeld and the rest of them to go on trial for crimes against humanity. When we accuse other nations of these atrocities and abuses, it is acceptable, but when we look at our own leaders in the mirror, we should hold them to the same standard.

Keep up the good work!

Spencer/Virginia   November 19th, 2008 8:36 am ET

Lock them up. Bush and Rumsfeld are next.

Kevin   November 19th, 2008 8:35 am ET

Get over it, democrats....you won. Where is the "hope"? Oh, that's right...we'll get an AG that recommended pardon of Mark Rich and terrorized Elian Gonzales. More Clinton politics. When will the liberals stop hating, hating, hating.......

ant   November 19th, 2008 8:35 am ET

We need to get past the worst administration in histroy. I wonder if the neo cons are still saying that in 100 years bush will be proven right.

Of course they can hold on to that dream because we will all be dead.

Papa Gino   November 19th, 2008 8:34 am ET

To all you IDIOTS out there talking about "war crimes". Can you even define a war crime? A war crime is the extermination of 6 million innocent people directly order by a dictator. Show me a presidential order and 6 million dead people.

A war crime is the rape and pillage and murder of civilians sanctioned by the Chain of Command. If that were the case, why did we prosecute Marines for Haditha?

A war crime is the plundering of a conquered nations riches. If that's the case, why does Iraq have billions of dollars of surplus oil wealth.

SHUT UP YOU MORONS, you won the election and you will soon see what you have wrought.

By the way, you uneducated liberal twits, it's spelled inauguration.

carol   November 19th, 2008 8:33 am ET

It's about time, I hope something comes of this and it's not all for show....those two are both cunning, arrogant people and deserve to be put in jail for what they've done.
The justice system need to be shown it actually works and put them behind bars and there are others also that deserve the same fate.

chuck   November 19th, 2008 8:32 am ET

Man! it is SHAMEFUL to be a REPUBLICAN these days. The Republicans make NEWS for all the WRONG REASONS. I don't think there are enough english words to describe their bad behaviour.George Bush has mas made a mockery of the English language, of himself ,the White House,the entire world and all the American people.

Jill American   November 19th, 2008 8:32 am ET

All the Presidents Men.

They are going to live in Dubai if anything starts to come down on them.

MD, TX   November 19th, 2008 8:32 am ET

The intolerance of the left is astounding. It will be interesting to see how their intolerance progresses as their candidate turns his policies against them.

Robynn Wagner   November 19th, 2008 8:28 am ET

I know that nothing will come of this, but if Cheeny was found guilty and went to prison, and got abused by some of his inmates, that would be a good example of Karma. And of course he would have to lose all his money. I know this is iimpossible, but a girl can dream.

Leah from FL   November 19th, 2008 8:27 am ET

Our national shame: Cheney and Bush. Our national hope: Obama and Biden.
It will be years until Americans truly know the extent of the Cheney – Bush 8 year reign of terror, but this is a good start. The real 'Trickle Down Theory': Americans demand prosecution of criminals and justice from the top office down!

Tom   November 19th, 2008 8:26 am ET

This HAS to be the first of many indictments. They've committed war crimes, done incredible damage to the US political system, attacked our civil liberties - it shouldn't take almost 8 years for the legal eagles to do their jobs!

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 19th, 2008 8:25 am ET

I wonder how well that will stick. It would be great if there was a conviction. If this goes to trial, I would love to hear what the jury has to say when it gets to them.

random   November 19th, 2008 8:25 am ET

Another media outlet reported that Cheney had invested $80million of his own money into the facility... hence the finger-pointing.

Tim, Coronado, CA   November 19th, 2008 8:22 am ET

I hope this sticks. They got Al Capone for tax evasion. Cheney & Capone, 2 gangsters, 2 very big schmucks!

Otto   November 19th, 2008 8:21 am ET

Did I miss something, or did I.Q.s drop sharply?

This guy, Guerra, did not indict Cheney and Gonzales. He presented evidence to a Grand Jury, and the Grand Jury handed down the indictment. Obviously, a bunch of people (the Grand Jury) thought the evidence Guerra presented was compelling enough to let it be decided in a court of law.

If those two are innocent, the court (either a judge or jury) will declare it such and Repub supporters have nothing to worry about. If they're not innocent, the court will declare it such and we should all be grateful the truth has come out about the Gitmo torture.

don   November 19th, 2008 8:20 am ET

Maybe this guy is a one man circus but at least he has the guts to go after the second highest ranking criminal in the USA. I hope many more indictments are in the pipeline.

Nitenurze   November 19th, 2008 8:18 am ET

While it's refreshing to here that somewhere in this country someone has the nerves to stand up and hold Cheney accountable, it will never go anywhere.

Bush will pardon him, and they both will continue to hurt people through their investments and ties to companies like Vanguard, Haliburton and Blackwater. Not to mention the oil companies, these fat cats are going to be living well and all of their future generations off of the misdeeds they've committed over the past 8 yrs.

I think the American people should start circulating an online petition to make a citizen's arrest and bring these bozo's up on charges on every thing from fraud, treason to murder.

Christopher   November 19th, 2008 8:16 am ET

WOW...About time

Jim Merhaut   November 19th, 2008 8:12 am ET

If I had the authority I would charge Chenney as well. From my vantage point this man, along with President Bush, have taken this country to the edge. To walk away and not be held accountable for there actions is nothing but criminal.

Baker   November 19th, 2008 8:10 am ET

Come on, Truebob, Obama was elected because of the color of his skin. Period. I know one thing, I haven't come to work every day at my current job for 18 years, and built a retirement account in the process, just so it can be taxed out the wazoo and distributed to all the freeloaders in this country by the man you voted for. I think I'll quit my job and become one of those freeloaders. They're going to have it better than me. Where's the incentive going to be for people to better themselves? Dick Cheney is the least of my worries.

Kevin Nicholas   November 19th, 2008 8:09 am ET

"You people forget that 90 some odd percent of the house and the senate which includes "DEMOCRATS" and Republicans voted to go to war."

True, but their decision was based on false information, The reasons listed to Invade Iraq were all lies from the Bush administration. Those reponsible for this mis-information must be held accountable.

This unneccessary war has costs hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives, thousands of American soldiers killed, maimed and scarred for life, and has wasted the greatest majority of our military resorces. (Including recruits). It has also ruined our World reputation, and alienated relations with many former allies. Regardless of our current situations, we cannot look away from these allegations, for the sake of history we need to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Bubba   November 19th, 2008 8:08 am ET

Bush will pardon him along with Scooter and all the other war criminals. I'm waiting to see if Bush will pardon Osama bin Laden before he leaves office. But he can't pardon himself, and now McCain can't pardon him; will he beg Obama on bended knees to help him out like Ford helped Nixon?

Jackie in NY   November 19th, 2008 8:07 am ET

Good! Throw the bum in jail. Then convict Obama and all of that bunch and they can all hang out in prison on the taxpayer's dime. They want to spend our hard-earned money, how's that for spending?

Ha ha I just made myself laugh out loud.

Jacob   November 19th, 2008 7:52 am ET

Bush/Cheney started the war in Iraq? Wrong. Bush/Quayle went to war back in the '90's. Hussein did not comply with the terms of the cease fire, Clinton/Gore appeased, Bush/Cheney ended the war. Simple.

Washington Observer   November 19th, 2008 7:50 am ET

Inconsequential story. Watch for a January 19th pardon by President Bush for all acts committed while in office.

Steve in CT   November 19th, 2008 7:48 am ET

Like him or not realize by law he can't participate in any venture he is invested in while in office. How, therefore can he be held responsible for whatever goes on in these prisons where he had no control? There are enough other reasons to take issue with him about but about 80% of the commentors will attack for any reason anyone who has differing views. from there own. Those baseless attacks by sadist cowards demean the credibility of not only this blog but of CNN in general. Sadistic cowards defile the image of all Americans. Get help.

Ben   November 19th, 2008 7:47 am ET

This Is ridiculous. This really has nothing to do with Dick Cheney.
Way to try to make a buck and cause fear and panic like you always do!

Florida   November 19th, 2008 7:46 am ET

There is so much for Cheney to be held accountable for in the "Bush" administration. He is a first rate example disgrace, dishonor, and abusive of power. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

grace   November 19th, 2008 7:35 am ET

GOOD ! At least someone is holding this man accountable....he is a crook and should be indicted for alot more....like lying, fraud and cheating the American people out of their money to pay himself and get rich...He has made more money off the Iraq war with his military contracts than anyone can imagine

Good riddance when he and Bush are gone....justice will be served someday even if it is not in my lifetime.

GT   November 19th, 2008 7:34 am ET

What? Chaney break the law? Tell me it is not so!!!!!! Chaney makes George Bush look like an angel in the corruption department. They both should be thrown behind bars for many, many years for the devistation which they have brought on the United States over the past 4 years and as for their supporters, they can all follow them right to prison also.

Scott Tucson   November 19th, 2008 7:31 am ET

CNN...why do you close comments at times with only one comment submission and keep others open such as this story for hours on end?

Sounds like Juan Guerra is just another small minded democrat trying to make a big name for himself. Cheney ought to invite Juan out to a bird hunt.

xcusme   November 19th, 2008 7:30 am ET

Wow! I smell a pardon. He may get away with it in this life but his ultimate judgement will be different. One day he will be judge by a Higher Power and that is the judge that really counts.

Robert   November 19th, 2008 7:26 am ET

I think Guerra should be Indicted for coming out with this obviously phoney charge against Cheney our VP.

Rich   November 19th, 2008 7:22 am ET

How is this not a bigger story?

End Of An Error   November 19th, 2008 7:22 am ET

It is about time! Thank you Grand Jury! Bush and Cheney must be held accountable for what they have done.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   November 19th, 2008 7:06 am ET

and I bet Bush and his henchmen all have their tickets for the Paraguay rancho.....just in case.

tc   November 19th, 2008 7:06 am ET

Nothing will happen...oh btw, Willacy County is not on the Texas Mexico border. Willacy County is the county north of Cameron County which is on the Texas Mexico Border.

neville   November 19th, 2008 7:04 am ET

If this indictement holds, America the ride that you are about to be taken on will be better that any amusement park ride, any drugs you took as a youth, sex, I mean this will be beyond euphoria. were bringng back the 60's, Happy times are here again.

MimiG   November 19th, 2008 7:04 am ET

Hopefully that is just the first of many.

Joe   November 19th, 2008 7:04 am ET

Let it go people. Who cares!! O, know that's right, lets spend some more of my tax dollars on some B.S. So what they abused some prisoners they shouldn't have got their self into trouble in the first place. And the crap about Bush and Cheney being brought up on war crimes is crazy. You people forget that 90 some odd percent of the house and the senate which includes "DEMOCRATS" and Republicans voted to go to war. So if you are going to charge the Bush administration with war crimes then get all of Washington too!

mb   November 19th, 2008 7:03 am ET

Maybe the judge won't sign the indictment until after January 20th, then bush can't pardon them. Just a thought

Frances   November 19th, 2008 7:03 am ET

An indictment on Cheney is long overdue HOWEVER let's get him for the right crime people, the lies and cover up for starting the IRAQ WAR!!!

james in s.c.   November 19th, 2008 6:55 am ET

dawn,

there was no way pelosi and or reid would ever get enough votes for impeachment. it takes 290 votes in congress and 67 in senate republicans could of easily filibustered.

Mr. Moderation   November 19th, 2008 6:53 am ET

Scenario...CHENEY gets pardoned by Bush 3 days before Obama's inaugeration , Bush resigns 2 days before Obama's inaugeration. Cheney sworn in as President 1 day before Obama's inaugeration.
All this is done in secret. Bush and Cheney walk away with full presidential benefits and they are free of any and all possible criminal or civil charges.

William   November 19th, 2008 6:48 am ET

They should have waited until after the inaugaration, this way Bush wouldn't be able to pardon him.

VA Bob   November 19th, 2008 6:47 am ET

Hope this won't interfer with shipping Bush and Cheney to The Hague for their war crimes trial. Of course that is only a fantasy.

DB   November 19th, 2008 6:46 am ET

It's too bad Cheney won't be indicted for all of his crimes while in office. He represents the very worst of our political system: giving billion dollar no-bid contracts to his former company (which he will no doubt largely benefit from when he leaves office), instituting Nixonian secrecy of the public's business and Nixionian dirty tricks against opponents, torturing prisoners, holding prisoners for years without charging tham with anything. He has looted the government for as much as he could get to further his own personal pocketbook and agenda. A true disgrace to this country

Tony   November 19th, 2008 6:46 am ET

More proof that the biggest and most damaging fraud ever committed against the American people was the Presidency of George W. Bush.

Truebob   November 19th, 2008 6:44 am ET

Hey Tom in Delaware,

Obama got elected because we are sick of the slander, distortions, and out right liying that is de rigeur in politics. We voted for the HOPE of change and we plan on leaving small minded, dishonest, selfserving politicians behind, Why don't you join us and walk in the light for a while, it really feels nice.

LAW   November 19th, 2008 6:43 am ET

Read the article and not the headlines.

Some backwater county's rogue DA with a chip on his shoulder makes a wild political stab and people think it will amount to anything?

Seems that many posters here are suffering from hatred of Bush and Cheney and desperate for revenge. You'll need to do better than this.

If the likes of Pelosi & Reed can't find anything legitimate to use to bring down this administration, do you think that this stunt will work?

Cheer up. Obama said in the debates that he will increase our military presence in Afghanistan. Soon you will be able to hate him as well.

Richard Palmer   November 19th, 2008 6:38 am ET

I truly believe that both Bush and Cheney should be indicted but not only for this but rather for genocide before the International Court of Justice.
The Iraqui war with all of the killings of Iraquis and Americans can be laid directly at the feet of these two scoundrels. We live in a country which has always believed that we have principles. When are we going to take the blinders off and look at George Bush for what he is, a blundering, ignorant cowboy with the intelligence of a piss ant. He has proven to be the worst president in our history. Why should he not pay for the evil that he has done. Clinton was humiliated before the whole world for sex and George Bush has been the cause of hundreds of thousands of deaths in the Middle East.

James   November 19th, 2008 6:37 am ET

Yep, as a Dem im certainly not holding my breathe, these guys get away with murder, nothing will come of anything. Im more worried about this auto bailout.....talk about taking a step backwards....wow.

SH   November 19th, 2008 6:36 am ET

People, calm down. This is probably from something more or less along he lines of food being just down right terrible. There is no way anyone was water boarded at Gitmo.

I also think that this charge is a corruption of our justice system. Why did Gurrera only indite one investor from Vanguard? Why did he not indite all of them, and top executives at Vanguard? This is just the high profile case that Gurrera wants to have on his way out.

D. Dean   November 19th, 2008 6:34 am ET

It never ceases to amaze me when Republicans excuse the misdeeds of someone in their own party by changing the subject and saying, "But look at what so-and-so did over here!" It's called "misdirection." Shine the light on something someone else did that is totally unrelated so you won't look at what your own guy is guilty of. Nice try, "Tom in Delaware," but strap yourself in, cause this is going to be a long, ugly ride. Talk about turning over rocks. The Bush Administration was like a "scandal a day," reality show during the past 8 years and that's just the stuff we found out about. Wait until the stuff we didn't know about is uncovered. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Gonzales, just to name a few, belong in Guantanamo instead of the prisoners who are there.

Scott   November 19th, 2008 6:33 am ET

Now lets go after Bush for war crimes!!! Why Pelosi did not have the backbone to impeach Bush is beyond me! Bush and Cheney are crooks and have destroyed America!

james in s.c.   November 19th, 2008 6:32 am ET

thats nice to hear, but they've should of wait till after jan. 20th to indicted them with no chance for king george to pardon them idiots!!!

Dawn   November 19th, 2008 6:31 am ET

Bush/Cheney should be impeached, Pelose won't...it is what 62 days until the Berack Obama is sworn in, Pelose does not want to be President for that time period. Bush and Chaney could be more dangerous when they leave office. Bush can pardon alot of people before he leaves office. By the way the Impeachment process can be done in a day!

Bush and Chaney had made a mockery out of our Country, now lets make a mockery out of them.

Good riddens to back rubbish

DX in TX   November 19th, 2008 6:23 am ET

Bush will pardon Cheney and Gonzales end of story....

chee hoo   November 19th, 2008 6:21 am ET

they should indict bush too!

williefloyd   November 19th, 2008 6:12 am ET

Looks as though Joe Biden was right on when he said Cheney was the most dangerous V.P. in the history of our country. Too bad GW wasn't included in the indictment.

Will be anxious to see if this gets posted!!

Jim in Bisbee   November 19th, 2008 6:11 am ET

Now Bush can pardon Cheney for any past or future accusations of illegal activities while in office, and point to this silly case as a reason for a need for such pardons. Willacy County District Attorney Juan Guerra has probably just given Bush/Cheney the best Christmas present ever.

Anonymous   November 19th, 2008 6:07 am ET

AT LEAST SOME ONE IS TRYING TO HOLD THE ADMINISTRATION ACCOUNTABLE FOR THERE ACTIONS.

Obama for Leader   November 19th, 2008 6:05 am ET

About time !!!!!!!!

CB_Brooklyn   November 19th, 2008 5:54 am ET

Quote from Washington Post:
The Bush administration issued a pair of secret memos to the CIA in 2003 and 2004 that explicitly endorsed the agency's use of interrogation techniques such as waterboarding against al-Qaeda suspects - documents prompted by worries among intelligence officials about a possible backlash if details of the program became public.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/14/AR2008101403331.html

kirk in upstate new york   November 19th, 2008 5:50 am ET

It's about time.

Tom in Delaware   November 19th, 2008 5:41 am ET

This will go nowhere...just more hype for the Democrats to rage about, only to later call for 'unity'.

Secret Ballot, the'Fairness Doctrine', the complete abscence of an investigation into the Sub-Prime Mortgage mess (Chuck Schumer, Barney Frank, Maxine Powers, and Christopher Todd aren't going to investigate themselves), ...all with the blessing of the MSM.

Check this out...http://www.howobamagotelected.com/

It says it all.

Mobius   November 19th, 2008 5:40 am ET

Hopefully the first of many.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 19th, 2008 5:36 am ET

There are going to be a lot of rocks turned over and many, many surprises as to what crawls out into the sunshine as a result.

Jesse   November 19th, 2008 5:35 am ET

District Attorney Guerra is a shining ray of light for what is right and wrong. Nobody is above the law.

Anonymous   November 19th, 2008 5:34 am ET

as one of the elitest, he no doubt is calling this action "laughable"; and has already instructed his underlings to make available all the dirt there is on these commoners, so as to quell the gaff..

Robert Wooller Bradford England UK   November 19th, 2008 5:27 am ET

This is brilliant news. At last justice is beginning to trickle down. But I and many others won't rest until he is impeached along with Bush.

Fred   November 19th, 2008 5:26 am ET

Well, at least DA Juan Guerra got his name in the news.

I hope it helps his ailing career.

Mason Myatt   November 19th, 2008 5:24 am ET

This should be the first of many. The net needs to be cast more broadly to get the other felons to be in the administration. It is one thing to face the future without bitterness and all that but calling law breakers to task for their violations is not a matter of backward looking bitterness-it is the law. Personally, I do feel some bitterness about how our nation has been raped and, yes, I will feel some pleasure if the Bush/Cheney/Halliburton/Rove/Gonzales/Rumsfeld crowd are made to pay for any crimes they committed but the fact of my pleasure is not an argument for letting that crowd get off with no responsibility at all for what may be war crimes, obstruction of justice, derelection of duty, fraud, blatant lies and even worse, the deaths of thousands of innocent American and Iraqi citizens.

If no person is above the law, it is incumbent on our system to bring these thugs to justice. Yes, I can hope for these things even as I am full of pride and renewed hope for our nation's future based on America's Great Awakening of November 4, 2008.

DonnieJ   November 19th, 2008 5:22 am ET

I don't care if the indictment is solid or not. Dick Cheney is scum either way. Good riddance, Darth!

Bob in Baltimore   November 19th, 2008 5:22 am ET

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

Too bad nothing will come of it. Personally I think he should be at GITMO being water boarded!

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