Sources: Judge Decides Lewinsky Doesn't Have Immunity

Clears the way for Starr to subpoena or charge her

Lewinsky at her father's house Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 29) -- A federal judge has decided that Monica Lewinsky does not have a binding immunity deal with independent counsel Ken Starr that would spare her from possible prosecution, sources said Wednesday.

Sources close to the case confirm to CNN that U.S. District Judge Norma Holloway Johnson has notified the parties in the case that she plans to rule against Lewinsky and in favor of Starr. However, an official ruling in the case has not been made.

Lewinsky is the former White House intern who, in taped conversations with friend Linda Tripp, allegedly claimed to have had a sexual relationship with President Bill Clinton.

Starr is investigating whether Clinton, Lewinsky or other Clinton associates gave false testimony, or encouraged others to give false testimony, in an effort to cover up the alleged affair, which Clinton denies ever happened.

Lewinsky's attorney, Bill Ginsburg, had asked Johnson to uphold what he said was an agreement with Starr in late January, in which his client would provide information under a guarantee that she would not be prosecuted. Starr's staff contended a binding deal was never struck.

Ginsburg comments on the reported ruling

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Reached Wednesday night by CNN, Ginsburg said he has not been officially informed of any ruling by the judge. White House attorneys say they have no independent confirmation of the decision.

Clinton is scheduled to have a formal press conference, his first of the year, on Thursday afternoon.

The lack of immunity for Lewinsky would allow Starr to proceed, if he chooses, with a subpoena demanding her appearance before a grand jury in Washington -- or even asking the grand jury to indict her.

Starr's investigation of the Lewinsky matter has slowed in recent weeks as Johnson weighed several issues, including Lewinsky's immunity claim and a dispute over whether Clinton aides can refuse to answer grand jury questions on the grounds of executive privilege.

CNN Correspondent Bob Franken and Reuters contributed to this report.

Wednesday, April 29, 1998

• Sources: Judge Decides Lewinsky Doesn't Have Immunity
• Grand Jury Hears Hillary Clinton's Videotaped Testimony
• Assault Weapons In Transit Could Enter U.S.
• Clinton Administration Dismisses Gingrich Claim Of Campaign Finance Coverup
• Paula Jones Files Her Notice Of Appeal
• Bob Dole To Receive DOD Highest Civilian Award
• Senate Panel Hears Testimony About Botched IRS Raid
• Clinton Raises Million For Democratic Senate Bids
• Starr In Little Rock For Final Push Before Grand Jury