Gonzales, Cheney indictments dismissed

Judge rules that the indictments were improperly returned by grand jury

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Cheney attacks may not help Republicans

updated 8:47 p.m. ET Dec. 1, 2008

RAYMONDVILLE, Texas - A judge in Texas has dismissed indictments against Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

Administrative Judge Manuel Banales ruled Monday that the indictments were improperly returned by a Willacy County grand jury.

The indictment against Cheney alleged that his personal investment in the Vanguard Group, which invests in private prison companies, made him culpable in alleged prisoner abuse at privately run federal detention centers.

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The judge also dismissed indictments against two district judges, two special prosecutors and the district clerk, saying the prosecutor was both the alleged victim and the person presenting the cases.