Ted Stevens let off due to misconduct by the prosecution

Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, best remembered for describing the Internet as a series of tubes, will be cleared of corruption charges after it was discovered that the prosecution had withheld evidence.

Stevens was found guilty in October 2008 of seven counts of lying on a Senate disclosure form to conceal $250,000 in gifts and home renovations from an oil industry executive and others.

Steven’s sentencing had been held up since the allegations of prosecutorial misconduct were raised. According to Reuters, Stevens’ defense attorneys had sought to overturn the conviction, citing a whistleblower complaint by an FBI agent who said another agent and prosecutors improperly concealed evidence helpful to Stevens.

Attorney General Eric Holder said he decided to abandon the case against Stevens after he concluded that certain information should have been provided to the defense for use at trial. Prosecutors have filed a motion in the federal court to set aside the jury verdict and throw out the charges.