June 13, 1995
From CNN Correspondent Susan Candiotti
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (CNN) -- Prosecutors in the Oklahoma City bombing case have until August 11th to bring indictments against suspect Timothy McVeigh. The man who's leading a team of eight lawyers was chosen by Attorney General Janet Reno for the job.
In a way, you could say Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Hartzler was destined to play a role in the Oklahoma City bombing case. The moment he heard about it while heading home from work in Springfield, Illinois, he says he nearly kept on driving to Oklahoma. "Of course, a disabled guy can't do much at the site. I couldn't really help any of the people in the rescue effort. But I thought, 'They're gonna need lawyers, they're going to need people to draft subpoenas, shouldn't I go there and help?'"
Hartlzer was to do more than that. After an interview process, Attorney General Janet Reno named him to lead the team of eight who are prosecuting the case. "I was very, very touched by the deaths of the children. I think that affects us all."
Children mean a lot to Hartzler. He has three sons. A strong commitment to kids and family earned him this year's Multiple Sclerosis Society Father of the Year Award. President Clinton presented him with the award at the White House.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney James Fergueson sees Hartzler as something of the model man for the Oklahoma City case. "You've got the prosecutor, the devoted family man, the skilled and dedicated crimefighter. Really sounds like a Hollywood portrayal of Elliot Ness or something like that. But in this case, it's real life."
The Elliot Ness comparison comes from associates in Chicago who remember his work there on high profile cases. In the mid 80s, Hartzler played a leading role in a widespread judicial corruption case called "Operation Greylord." More than 20 judges were convicted.
In another case bearing a similarity to Oklahoma City, Hartzler used explosion video as part of his case against suspected domestic terrorists. They were convicted of a conspiracy to blow up government military installations in order to win Puerto Rican independence. Dean Polares, Assistant U.S. Attorney, says the Oklahoma City case is the biggest challenge yet. "This is probably the most significant criminal investigation case that I can remember or conceive of in U.S. history."
Prosecutors who've worked with Hartzler say his trial experience will pay off in Oklahoma. "He will bring to Oklahoma a great focus on his work and a great ability to communicate with a jury." Fergueson further backs up that assessment. "Joe was the guy in the U.S. attorney's office often turned to when the chips were down and the stakes were high. He was our 'Go-to guy" and so he's used to dealing with pressure."
In Oklahoma, there will be plenty of pressure to bring home a conviction. Hartzler sounds ready for it. "Those who commited the crime, regardless of what we do, are destined for a life ever after in hell. So what can we do? All I'm hoping to do is prompt the delivery."
For the man who finished first in his law school class, who's used to getting around in his motorized scooter, the Oklahoma investigations is another challenge. But Hartzler's not prepared to call it his biggest one. "I'll look at the evidence before I decide if it's the most challenging of my career. I'll look at the evidence."
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