Justice Dept. Given 2-Month Extension for Cisneros Probe

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department was given two more months Friday to complete its preliminary inquiry into the payments Housing Secretary Henry G. Cisneros made to a former mistress.

Acting under the independent counsel law, a three-judge panel granted an extension until March 13 at the request of Atty. Gen. Janet Reno. By then, she must decide whether to end the case or ask the court to name an independent counsel to conduct a full criminal investigation. The law gives Reno up to 90 days to conduct a preliminary inquiry but provides for a two-month extension--an option that has been rarely exercised.

Cisneros’ lawyer, Cono Namorato, expressed dismay at the decision Friday, saying: “This matter should have been resolved by this point with a decision not to seek the appointment of an independent counsel. We expect that the department will reach that conclusion after it uses the additional time.”

The reasons for seeking the extension were outlined in papers filed under seal with the court. Both the court and the Justice Department are prohibited by law from disclosing the details of the request.

Investigators have been trying to determine whether Cisneros, during background interviews with the FBI, understated the amount of payments he made to Linda Medlar before he became secretary of Housing and Urban Development or otherwise misled agents. They also are looking at what role, if any, Cisneros may have played in helping Medlar receive payments from wealthy San Antonio businessman Morris Jaffe.

Cisneros, a former San Antonio mayor, has acknowledged paying some money to Medlar because she was unable to find work after he revealed their affair in 1988. But he denies her claim that he had agreed to a long-term arrangement.

Medlar has said Cisneros paid her about $200,000, a figure he has not disputed.

In a statement relayed by his attorney, Cisneros said: “My lawyers will continue to cooperate with the investigation. I regret the mistakes I have made in my personal life but affirm once again that I have at no point violated the public’s trust or any law.”