Regards, Ivan
Posted on 03/30/2006 2:32:10 AM PST by MadIvan
'Casino' Jack Abramoff, the disgraced Washington lobbyist, was jailed for almost six years yesterday.
Pleading guilty to charges involving a multi-million dollar fraud, Abramoff's lawyers submitted testimonials from more than 260 prominent Americans in an attempt to secure leniency.
But Judge Paul Huck, hearing the case in Miami, said the offences warranted a custodial sentence of five years and 10 months.
Abramoff said the case had been "incredibly painful" for him, his family and his friends. "In the past few years I have begun the process of becoming a new man," he said.
The case involved a £34 million loan fraudulently obtained by Abramoff for the purchase of casino cruise ships. He also faces separate conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges in Washington, to which he has pleaded guilty.
He is co-operating with the FBI, which has more than 100 agents investigating his business empire.
Abramoff's lobbying work sucked in more than £45 million from the cash-rich American Indian casino industry, which wanted to influence legislation in Washington.
Some was channelled as campaign contributions to about 270 congressmen. Most payments were legal, some were not. Up to 12 congressmen may face charges.
Supporters demanded leniency for Abramoff yesterday, arguing that he had been unfairly caricatured. Others have distanced themselves.
President George W Bush, for whom Abramoff had raised more than $100,000, has said: "I frankly don't even remember having my picture taken with the guy. I don't know him."
Regards, Ivan
Ping!
I wonder who's on that list, hmmmm? ......
My best guess would be 100 US Senators & 160 US Congressmen.
The interesting thing...is that their pleas didn't amount to much. Jack is going away for a while. I don't think it will fix a single thing...someone will just take his place and continue the payoff's.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.