Lewinsky ordered to give voice, writing samples
6.10 p.m. ET (2210 GMT) May 26, 1998
WASHINGTON - Independent counsel Kenneth Starr has directed Monica Lewinsky to be fingerprinted and to give voice and writing samples in the next few days, sources close to the White House sex scandal probe said Tuesday.
Starr, investigating allegations that President Bill Clinton had sex with the former White House intern and induced her to help cover it up, acted under a court order that has existed since January, the sources said.
Legal experts said Starr's action could lay the groundwork for Lewinsky to be called before the grand jury investigating the sex scandal or set the stage for her indictment on perjury or obstruction of justice charges.
The 24-year-old woman is currently in Los Angeles with her father, Dr. Bernard Lewinsky, but her spokeswoman, Judy Smith, said Lewinsky would comply with Starr's order. How and when this will occur is still being worked out, the sources said.
"Ms. Lewinsky has cooperated fully with Starr's investigation and will appear (to be fingerprinted and give voice and writing samples) pursuant to the court order. As we have said since Jan. 16, she is very anxious to tell her side of the story,'' Smith said.
Starr's probe of Lewinsky's relationship with Clinton was triggered by former Lewinsky co-worker Linda Tripp, who secretly recorded 20 hours of conversation in which Lewinsky reportedly told of White House trysts with the president. |
