I just read this account of the release by Florida prosecutors of details from settlement negotiations in the Limbaugh investigation. In my view, it is absolutely outrageous that prosecutors would release this kind of information. Apparently, the prosecutors office released a letter written on behalf of Limbaugh in which the radio host proposes to agree to plead guilty to a single felony charge of "doctor shopping" to avoid serving prison time.
Under federal and, I presume, Florida law, settlement negotiations are absolutely privileged. For the state prosecutor to release this information as a public record is absolutely unbelievable. The proscutor's claim that release of the letter was required under the state's public records act is rediculous. Not only will the release of this letter tend to frustrate plea negotiations in the future, but it also gives credence to Limbaugh's allegation that the prosecution is politically motivated. After all, before Limbaugh, had you ever heard of this crime, or anyone being prosecuted for it?
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