Alexis Herman Cleared Of Corruption Allegations

Jet, April 24, 2000

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman has been cleared of all allegations that she accepted kickbacks in the awarding of federal contracts and solicited funds in illegal campaign contributions to the Democratic Party. And President Clinton said "she did not deserve what she's had to endure."

The prosecutor, Independent Counsel Ralph Lancaster, said he will not seek an indictment of Herman, who was accused by businessman Laurent Yene of having a deal to receive a 10 percent kickback for aiding clients of a firm co-owned by Vanessa Weaver, a close friend of Herman.

Yene also had accused Herman of instructing Weaver to have the firm's clients illegally contribute funds to the Democratic National Committee.

Herman said she is "gratified personally and for my family that the independent counsel has terminated his investigation."

President Clinton said in a press statement: "As I said at the start of this inquiry nearly two years ago, Secretary Herman did nothing wrong ...

"I am proud to call her my friend, and I am honored that she has been willing to work in this administration on behalf of working people everywhere."