Originally published February 21 2006
Abramoff joins criminal probe that threatens to bring down Delay
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff plead guilty to three felonies and promised to cooperate with a probe into the activities of former House Majority leader Tom Delay, who accepted money from Abramoff in exchange for political favors.
Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who spawned a congressional corruption scandal, pleaded guilty Tuesday to three felonies and pledged to cooperate in a criminal probe edging closer to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
In one case, he reported payments totaling $50,000 to the wife of a congressional aide to help block legislation for a client.
The aide worked for DeLay, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Public corruption aside, Abramoff admitted defrauding four Indian tribes and other clients, taking millions in kickbacks from a one-time business partner, misusing a charity he had established and failing to pay income taxes on millions of ill-gotten gains.
Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Alice Fisher briefs reporters at the Justice...
Full Image He is expected to plead guilty to additional charges on Wednesday in Florida in connection with charges stemming from the 2000 purchase of a fleet of gambling boats.
At the Justice Department, officials said they intend to make use of the trove of e-mails and other material in Abramoff's possession as part of a probe that is believed to be focusing on as many as 20 members of Congress and aides.
Whatever the legal ramifications, there was swift political fallout at the dawn of an election year in which minority Democrats intend to make ethics a campaign issue.
Full Image House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said Abramoff's confession in court was "not a surprise because this Republican Congress is the most corrupt in history and the American people are paying the price."
Apart from his lobbying in Congress, Abramoff raised at least $100,000 for President Bush's 2004 re-election effort, earning the honorary title "pioneer" from the campaign.
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