Former Lobbyist Jack Abramoff Pleads Guilty to Corruption, Fraud Conspiracy and Tax Evasion

Jack A. Abramoff has pleaded guilty to a three count indictment charging him with conspiracy, aiding and abetting honest services mail fraud and tax evasion.

 

Aside from a prison term and a fine of $750,000, mandatory restitution is estimated to be $26.7 million.

 

According the the plea agreement, when he was employed in Washington DC law firms between 1994-2004, he lobbied public officials, principally members of Congress.

 

Aside from a scheme defrauding four American Native Indian tribes, Abramoff engaged in a pattern of corruptly providing things of value to public officials.  These included a lavish trip to Scotland to play on world famous courses, tickets to sporting events and other entertainment, regular meals at Abramoff's upscale restaurant and campaign contributions.

 

"Government officials and government actions are not for sale.  The Justice Department will aggressively investigate and prosecute these cases which have a devastating impact on the public's trust of the government", said Assistant U.S. Attorney General Alice S. Fisher.

 

Read More:  http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2006/January/06_crm_002.html