Maryland Prosecutor Delays Investigation into Linda Tripp's Wiretapping Allegations

Strategic Insights -

Maryland state prosecutor Stephen Montanarelli has clarified the state's position on investigating whether Linda Tripp broke the state's wiretap law by secretly recording conversations with Monica Lewinsky. The prosecutor's office will wait for independent counsel Kenneth Starr to complete his probe before considering an investigation into Tripp's actions. However, Montanarelli emphasized that even if an investigation begins, he would have to prove that Tripp knew she was violating the law at the time of the recordings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maryland state prosecutor's office is still waiting for independent counsel Kenneth Starr to complete his probe before investigating Linda Tripp for allegedly violating the state's wiretap law.
  • To convict Tripp, prosecutor Stephen Montanarelli would have to prove that she knew her actions were a violation of Maryland law, a difficult task given recent court decisions.
  • Tripp secretly recorded conversations with Monica Lewinsky from her Maryland home, which included allegations of a sexual affair with President Clinton and an effort to cover it up.
  • Montanarelli denied press reports that he had begun an investigation into Tripp's conduct, attributing the confusion to his own "unfortunate choice of words."
  • At issue is the Maryland law requiring both parties to agree before telephone conversations can be taped, with no clear precedent on prosecuting non-consensual recordings.

Statistics:

  • Maryland law requires that both persons agree before telephone conversations can be taped.
  • Recent court decisions have created a precedent that the person making the non-consensual recording must know it is a violation of Maryland law to be convicted.
  • Tripp secretly recorded conversations with Monica Lewinsky from her Maryland home, totaling unknown number of recordings.

Sources:

  • United Press International, "Maryland prosecutor says no decision on Linda Tripp inquiry" (no date given)
  • (Note: There are several other mentions of unnamed "press reports" and "(Baltimore) Sun reporter" but no specific dates or sources provided in the original text)