In reading the story on the arrest of the cab driver, I will bet anything that police contacted the original shoplifter in the case, Lisa Faye Hawkins, and convinced her to say that Elmostafa was an accomplice.

Now, the whole thing is quite false on its face, but do not be surprised if that is what occurred. Also, it will be interesting to see how Hawkins’ larceny charge will be handled. She pleaded guilty to it three years ago, but I suspect that police and prosecutors will revisit this case and try to have her conviction expunged in exchange for “testimony” against Elmostafa.

If you don’t think this is possible, folks, you do not understand prosecutors. Mike Nifong is committed to getting a conviction hook or crook, and it is going to take crook, something he and most other prosecutors are willing to do.