Ex-Attorney General Faults Prosecutors In Timothy McVeigh Case

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Former US Attorney General John Ashcroft says federal prosecutors ``botched'' the case of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. <br/><br/>Ashcroft's claim is in a new book

Tuesday, October 3rd 2006, 10:02 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Former US Attorney General John Ashcroft says federal prosecutors ``botched'' the case of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.

Ashcroft's claim is in a new book called ``Never Again: Securing America and Restoring Justice'' which went on sale Tuesday.

Ashcroft criticizes prosecutors for agreeing to provide material not normally given to criminal defendants. He also says McVeigh recruited Terry Nichols and his brother _ James Nichols _ to help him.

Terry Nichols is serving life in prison for his role in the bombing. James Nichols was not prosecuted and denies any involvement.

Prosecutors in the case are dismissing Ashcroft's claims. Former prosecutor Larry Mackey says the prosecution team provided unprecedented information to the defense because they wanted the public to know the government wasn't hiding anything.