Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Jefferson Pleads Not Guilty

Congressman answers federal corruption charges with pledge to 'fight my heart out'

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 8, 2007 12:13 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – In his first public appearance since being indicted Monday, Rep. William Jefferson pleaded not guilty in federal court in this morning. The Louisiana Democrat, facing a laundry list of charges including bribery, racketeering, and obstruction of justice, then held a press conference in which he reeled off his family's achievements and called on his constituents to "keep an open mind."

Jefferson touched on the US attorney firings in his remarks, suggesting that the investigation was politically motivated. He was released on bond and ordered to turn over his passport and receive approval for any travel outside the Washington area and Louisiana. His assets have been frozen, and the House is expanding an ongoing ethics investigation to include this week's charges.

Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., who earlier this week was indicted for bribery and corruption, arrives at federal court in Alexandria, Va., Friday, June 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., who earlier this week was indicted for bribery and corruption, arrives at federal court in Alexandria, Va., Friday, June 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)   (Associated Press)
This artist rendering shows Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., second from right, accompanied by his attorney Robert Trout, right, sworn in by an unidentified court clerk as Judge T.S. Ellis III looks on at left, Friday, June 8, 2007, at federal court in Alexandria, Va. Jefferson pleaded not guilty to...
This artist rendering shows Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., second from right, accompanied by his attorney Robert Trout, right, sworn in by an unidentified court clerk as Judge T.S. Ellis III looks on...   (Associated Press)
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., who earlier this week was indicted for bribery and corruption, makes a statement to reporters outside federal court in Alexandria, Va., Friday, June 8, 2007, after pleading not guilty to charges of soliciting more than $500,000 in bribes while using his office to broker business...
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., who earlier this week was indicted for bribery and corruption, makes a statement to reporters outside federal court in Alexandria, Va., Friday, June 8, 2007, after pleading...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

The local angle on the press conference and the charges
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

 
ethics • investigation • William Jefferson • Louisiana • bribery • corruption • racketeering • obstruction of justice • corruption charges • William Jefferson sentenced

More Newser Stories

House Moves to Expel Accused Congressman

Jefferson Hit With Corruption Charges

Ex-Rep. Jefferson Sentenced to 13 Years

With Friends Like These...

Corruption Trial of Ex-Louisiana Rep Kicks Off
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne