Deaver Won’t Testify Before Grand Jury

Former presidential aide Michael K. Deaver refused to testify a second time before a federal grand jury that is investigating his lobbying activities, a prosecutor disclosed Friday.

Whitney North Seymour Jr., the independent counsel prosecuting Deaver on perjury charges, made the disclosure in response to a defense charge that Seymour had “knowingly and deceptively trapped” the former White House aide into making false statements.

The special prosecutor, quoting grand jury testimony, noted that at the end of Deaver’s appearance he was told he might be asked to return. But Deaver refused to reappear before the grand jury on the advice of his lawyers, Seymour said. “So the opportunity to confront Deaver (with new evidence) was never afforded us.”