Covenant News Wire Service

Kansas Supreme Court Rejects Morrison's 'Clearance Letter' to Planned Parenthood

Kline had permission from judge to refer records to DA
office because the records have been "protected as required"

Office of Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline

OLATHE, KS/Covenant News Wire Service/The Kansas Supreme Court has rejected Planned Parenthood's request for the court to consider former Attorney General Paul Morrison's "clearance letter" as a basis for removing evidence against the clinic from District Attorney Phill Kline’s possession.

Judge Richard Anderson, who oversaw the case while Kline was Attorney General, told Kline he had the authority to transfer evidence against Planned Parenthood to other law enforcement agencies for further investigation and follow-up.

Judge Anderson has testified in open court that he was "surprised" Morrison cleared Planned Parenthood in a June 2007 letter to the abortion clinic because he thought there was reason to be concerned about the authenticity of documents supplied by the clinic.

Today’s unsealing of documents reveals that Morrison attempted to remove evidence of potential crimes from several law enforcement agencies – including the Johnson County DA office - and return the evidence to the clinic in an effort to quickly close down the investigation.

Planned Parenthood used Morrison's "clearance letter" as the basis for a lawsuit filed against Kline before the Kansas Supreme Court. When Judge Anderson rejected Morrison’s motion to order Kline to turn over the evidence to Morrison, Morrison joined Planned Parenthood in suing both Kline and Judge Anderson.

Both Judge Anderson and 10th District Court Judge James F. Vano have since reviewed the evidence in Kline’s possession and found that probable cause exists to believe crimes may have been committed by Planned Parenthood.

The clinic currently faces 107 criminal counts, including 23 felonies for filing false information with the court.

The charges are mere allegations. Under Kansas law, Planned Parenthood is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

For media inquiries, contact Brian Burgess at (913) 940-7788

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Office of Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline
100 N. Kansas - 5th Floor PO Box 728
Olathe KS 66061
PH: 913.715.3600
http://da.jocogov.org