Clinton Partner Pleads Not Guilty
Another partner of President and Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Whitewater land development pleaded not guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges Thursday.
Susan McDougal, charged with eight felonies, accused independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr of using threats and harassment in an attempt to force a plea bargain. Starr’s office declined to comment.
“I would not be standing here if I had had anything to say about President Clinton or his wife to the special counsel,” the former wife of banker James B. McDougal told reporters.
U.S. Magistrate Jerry Cavaneau set her trial for Oct. 10, the same as her former husband and Gov. Jim Guy Tucker, both of whom have pleaded not guilty in the case.
Half of the counts against Susan McDougal relate to a $300,000 loan that financier David Hale claims he was pressured by Clinton to make to her. Clinton has called Hale’s allegation “a bunch of bull.”
The Clintons are not charged.
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