29 Jan 1998 Text: Janet Reno’s January 16 Decision Expanding Starr’s Authority

In accordance with the Independent Counsel Reauthorization Act of 1994, I hereby notify in writing the special division of the court that I have commenced a preliminary investigation … into whether violations of federal criminal law were committed by Monica Lewinsky or any other individual, as described below.

As a result of my inquiry into this matter, I request expansion of the jurisdiction of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr to further investigate and determine whether prosecution is warranted. The court has already been informed of this matter and my request orally.

The Department of Justice has received information from Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr that Monica Lewinsky, a former White House employee and witness in the civil case Jones v. Clinton, may have submitted a false affidavit and suborned perjury from another witness in the case.

In a taped conversation with a cooperating witness, Ms. Lewinsky states that she intends to lie when deposed. In the same conversation, she urges the cooperating witness to lie in her own upcoming deposition.

I have determined that it would be a conflict of interest for the Department of Justice to investigate Ms. Lewinsky for perjury and suborning perjury as a witness in this civil suit involving the president, in light of the allegations involved in the lawsuit.

I have also determined that the taped conversation establishes that further investigation of this matter is warranted.

It would be appropriate for Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr to handle this matter because he is currently investigating similar allegations involving possible efforts to influence witnesses in his own investigation. Some potential subjects and witnesses in this matter overlap with those in his ongoing investigation. Independent Counsel Starr has requested that this matter be referred to him.