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Pardoned Businessman Takes The Fifth

Braswell Subpoenaed To Appear Today

Posted: 11:13 a.m. EDT September 10, 2001

WASHINGTON -- A California businessman pardoned by former President Clinton for a fraud conviction has taken the fifth amendment during an appearance before a Senate committee.

A. Glenn Braswell refused to answer any questions put to him by Senate Aging Committee Chairman John Breaux.

The hearing focused on how senior citizens are swindled by dietary supplements that can't and don't live up to their claims.

Braswell's former chief financial officer told the committee that Braswell's products are "flawed and laden with lies and deception." He said the items "could not possibly deliver what is promised in the advertising."

Clinton granted 177 pardons and clemencies just before leaving office, but Braswell's was one of the most criticized.

The president's brother-in-law -- Hugh Rodham -- received $400,000 for helping Braswell and another man whose sentence was commuted. He later returned the money.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001