Orrin Hatch helped secure the release of Atlanta R&B producer Dallas Austi

[julialnyc]

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2006/07/08/1675031-ap.html

snipped...
n a statement released through his staff, the conservative Republican said he was contacted by Austin's lawyers, then called the ambassador and consul of the United Arab Emirates in Washington on Austin's behalf.

A Grammy winner who has produced hits for Madonna, Pink and TLC, Austin was arrested May 19 and convicted of drug possession for bringing 1.26 grams of cocaine into Dubai.

On Tuesday a court sentenced him to four years in jail and said Austin, 34, should be deported after serving the term. Hours later, Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum pardoned and released Austin.

Beyond saying Hatch has "good relations with the ambassador and other good people in Dubai," his office gave The Associated Press no specifics about Hatch's dealings with the Dubai government.

Hatch spokesman Peter Carr said he did not know whether the senator and Austin had ever met, but he confirmed that both employ Atlanta entertainment lawyer Joel Katz. Hatch has written and recorded hundreds of religious and patriotic songs.

[Lerkfish]

1. I posted on this yesterday or day before.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2378188&mesg_id=2378188

but your link gives more info, thanks.