DOJ-OGR-00000664.pdf

Case 1:19-cr-00490-RMB Document 53 Filed 09/03/19 Page 26 of 86 J8RsEPS1 their counsel to raise those arguments and for the judges hearing those arguments to evaluate those claims. It is not relevant to today's proceedings. Thank you, your Honor. THE COURT: In those other cases, Ms. Comey, judges do have authority to investigate, but don't here? MS. COMEY: Not to investigate, your Honor, but to hear arguments about the conditions of confinement in the MCC as they may relate to any bail determination. I believe that was the argument that was made. The bigger picture here, your Honor, is that the focus of today's proceeding, as we understand it, is to allow the victims who have gathered here today to be heard and to comment upon the case and to comment upon the motion that is pending, and to bring this case to a close. THE COURT: Got it. MR. WEINGARTEN: May I? THE COURT: Sure. MR. WEINGARTEN: We obviously saw this as, perhaps, the last opportunity to be before you, and we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to say our peace and thank you for allowing us. There is precedent here. Ted Stevens, the Senator from Alaska case in Washington, DC, Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered an independent investigation by a private lawyer when SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORTERS, P.C. (212) 805-0300 DOJ-OGR-00000664