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North Carolina's out-of-control DA

Published January 2, 2007 at midnight

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North Carolina officials might not be able to correct all the injustices perpetrated by Durham District Attorney Michael Nifong. But at least they can make this rogue prosecutor pay for his abuse of the law.

Nifong, who's in charge of the investigation of the alleged sexual assault of a stripper by Duke University lacrosse players, faces his own legal fight. The state bar association filed ethics charges Thursday against the DA, saying he "engaged in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation" during his handling of the case.

The 17-page complaint cites dozens of statements made to the media that "Nifong knew . . . were misleading." They could of course make it nearly impossible for the defendants to get a fair trial.

An independent panel that rules on allegations of attorney misconduct could disbar Nifong. He may be removed from the case before the panel makes its decision.

Fortunately, the chances of any trial going forward look exceedingly remote. Nifong dropped the rape charges Dec. 22. Yet he has let stand counts of kidnaping and sexual assault, though the accuser could not identify her alleged attackers, and her story has changed repeatedly.

All charges should be dropped. Let the students go free. Meantime, the only person who deserves to face justice here is Nifong, who so eagerly abused his office to further his career.