A Tragic Suicide

By Vic Kohring

July 12, 2014 

Nicholas Marsh, one of several federal prosecutors assigned to take out myself and Senator Ted Stevens, tragically committed suicide prior to the results of a criminal investigation into his conduct. The report revealed the extent of Marsh's involvement in hiding evidence that seriously hindered my ability to win at trial. Was there a connection between his suicide and wrongdoing exposed by the investigation? Some say yes, but we'll probably never know for sure.

Marsh played a central role in my case. He wasn't one of the lead prosecutors present at my trial, but still a prominent behind-the-scenes player who gathered information and helped develop a strategy designed to defeat Stevens and me in court. The degree of his involvement did not become evident until the investigator's report was released showing the results of the extensive inquest. I was shocked to learn of Marsh's direct role concealing evidence and then covering it up. Not only did Marsh ensconce crucial material and then mislead the Department of Justice Professional Responsibility Advisory Office (PRAO) who provides legal advice and ethics guidance, but his colleagues were complicit in his actions as they were fully aware of everything yet refused to correct erroneous facts. It was a conspiracy involving the entire group of prosecutors.

The record shows Marsh intentionally and negligently altered and then hid evidence. He misled the PRAO on several occasions to obtain favorable legal opinions as a way to justify concealing the material and to provide cover for himself. It's what led to my motion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court asking that my case be thrown out following my forced and misguided plea agreement.

Despite having been the target of Marsh's actions, I don't harbor feelings of animosity. If anything, I feel sorrow that he lost his life. But I do hold contempt for the other prosecutors who obstructed justice which resulted in devastated lives of two individuals, Ted Stevens and me. I respect Marsh for at least having a conscience as opposed to the others who don't appear to have the slightest feelings of remorse. He seemed to acknowledge the error of his ways and in all likelihood was distraught that he caused other human beings to suffer. Apparently he couldn't live with the shame. It's also known that Marsh was fearful of being prosecuted and jailed, adding to his stress. It's sad that he couldn't work through it all and seek forgiveness and perhaps counseling. Suicide was not the answer. The pressure he felt must have been overwhelming - something I can relate to, although suicide was never a consideration.

Marsh proved to be a good man, faults and all. But his fellow prosecutors have been shown to be devoid of character, which makes you wonder how they live with themselves. They were near delirious in their rush to convict me while spewing lies and half-truths that were mostly fantasy.  

I have great sympathy for the Marsh family and take no pleasure knowing Nicholas took his own life, despite causing me harm. I'm keenly aware of vindictive, demented people of this world who want the worst for their enemies, something I was subject to during my years in the legislature as a target of hostile, mean-spirited individuals who wouldn't shed a tear if I were dead. With all sincerity, I only wish the Marsh family well and will keep them in my prayers that they're comforted during their time of loss and sorrow. 

A recently released book about Marsh by author Sidney Powell, a former long-time federal prosecutor herself, discusses corruption within the halls of the U.S. Justice Department, which she refers to as "increasingly rabid and unethical." How true. 

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