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Jefferson Hit With Corruption Charges

Posted Jun 4, 07 2:06 PM CDT in Politics,  US 

(Newser) – Federal officials indicted Rep. William Jefferson today, charging him with bribery, racketeering, money-laundering, and other misdeeds that could carry a sentence of up to 235 years. The Louisiana Democrat, the target of a lengthy investigation into business deals in Africa, has maintained his innocence, even after investigators found $90,000 in cash in his freezer in 2005.

Jefferson, whose district includes New Orleans, was re-elected last year despite the probe. The 94-page indictment outlines a case that reaches as far as the Nigerian presidential elections. Two associates—a former aide who admitted soliciting bribes and a telecommunications executive who gave kickbacks to secure deals—have struck plea bargains in exchange for testimony against Jefferson. 

Source Associated Press

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  (Associated Press)
  (Associated Press)
  (Getty Images)
A reporter walks out of the Capitol Hill office of Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., Monday, June 4, 2007. Jefferson was indicted Monday on federal charges of racketeering, soliciting bribes and money-laundering...   (Associated Press)
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Congress  • corruption  • Louisiana  • bribery  • bribe  • congressman  • William Jefferson


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