Friday, March 4, 2016

Details of Scalia Death Generating Buzz

Although the death of Antonin Scalia was initially clouded in some degree of secrecy, some details have now emerged. Scalia was vacationing at the Cibolo Creek Ranch, a luxury resort offering “a true West Texas experience.” Guests enjoy trail rides via horse, ATV or Humvee around the massive 30,000 acre property.

The ranch is also home to John B. Poindexter, owner of J.B. Poindexter & Company.   Scalia was an invited guest at the resort and it was Poindexter himself who discovered Scalia’s body.

Scalia's stay at the resort was a gift from the ranch's wealthy owner, who benefited from a decision handed down by the Supreme Court last year.  In that case, the Supreme Court decided to let stand a lower court ruling dismissing an age discrimination lawsuit filed against one of Poindexter's companies.

The ranch is not served by any commercial flights, and it is not known whether Scalia had paid for his flight on the private charter or if someone else picked up the tab.  It is also still not known who else was at the Texas ranch for the weekend-- so questions continue to swirl regarding potential conflicts of interest or influence peddling. 

Poindexter did confirm to Wapo that he did not pay for the flight that Scalia took to the ranch. So, if he didn’t pay for the charter flight—who did?  Salaries for Supreme Court justices are just over $200K-- not nearly enough to cover charter flights to secluded luxury resorts.

No comments: