Spiro Agnew Case Summary

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Every politician has dirt that is difficult to unfold to the public, they say. Be it denials or making good payments to their lawyers or even just saying the truth, it all comes down to how good politicians hide their ugly secrets. But, in Spiro Agnew’s case, upon investigation of the United States Department of Justice, he was charged for joining a kickback scheme when he served as the executive of Baltimore County, Maryland; as the governor of Maryland; and as the vice president of the United States of America. This eventually led to his resignation as the second highest office in the country on October 10, 1973. Public bids were absent during that time in Maryland so state engineering contracts were solely decided by the governor and the members of the State Roads Commission. Lester Matz and John Childs’ Maryland construction company was one of the engineering firms who confided with Agnew to entrust them such contracts provided that they give a percentage of the amount of contract to Agnew. The payment was …show more content…

Walter Jones. The money Agnew received was further used for his gubernatorial campaigns and this scheme continued as he held the vice presidential office. These companies, together with their engineers, clearly violated the canon for the purpose of having more projects, and hence, more income. The kickback lasted for years as Agnew rose from being a mere county executive to a vice president with the money used for his

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