The Grilling Continues

Prosecutor John Hueston's rapid-fire attack on Kenneth L. Lay continues, regarding the topic of character assassination.

Lay said he has been the victim of government prosecutors.

"Sir, you have engaged in some character assassination of some of the witnesses here in this trial," Hueston said.

"Are you considering yourself [on that list]?" Lay asked, drawing gasps from observers. "I just want to make sure who's on the list and who's not." (Lay's attempts at humor are increasingly sounding like they're coming from a mob enforcer.)

"I'm an attorney, sir, this is my job. You can call me anything you want," Hueston said.

Hueston had a plan, though. He was going somewhere.

He recalled Michael Ramsey, Lay's attorney, referring to former Enron executive Benjamin Glisan as a "monkey." Later, Lay himself called Glisan a "liar." Glisan pleaded guilty to fraud and cooperated with government lawyers.

"While you were saying these things, in fact did you approach Mr. Glisan in the bathroom witness area of this court house and told him you had kind feelings for him and his family?"

Lay acknowledged he had.

"So, you had one message for the outside world and one message for Mr. Glisan when he was testifying inside," Hueston said, making the point that he believes there are two Ken Lays -- one who will shake your hand and one who will knife you in the back when you turn around.

"He had been under enormous pressure," Lay tried to explain.

"So you made him feel better by calling him a liar and having your attorney call him a monkey," Hueston said. "To help him out."

Wow.

By Frank Ahrens |  April 26, 2006; 4:42 PM ET
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