Abramoff pleads guilty in corruption case

updated 7:46 p.m. ET Jan. 3, 2006

WASHINGTON - Embattled lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud, agreeing to cooperate in an influence-peddling investigation that threatens powerful members of Congress.

In a heavily scripted court appearance, Abramoff agreed with U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Huvelle when she said he had engaged in a conspiracy involving “corruption of public officials.” The lobbyist also agreed when she said he and others had engaged in a scheme to provide campaign contributions, trips and other items “in exchange for certain official acts.”

“Words will not ever be able to express my sorrow and my profound regret for all my actions and mistakes,” Abramoff said, addressing the judge. “I hope I can merit forgiveness from the Almighty and those I’ve wronged or caused to suffer.”

To each of the three charges, Abramoff said, “I plead guilty, your honor.” Huvelle and lawyers in the case said Abramoff had agreed to make an estimated $25 million in restitution to his victims and pay $1.7 million to the Internal Revenue Service for taxes he evaded. As is typically the case in such pleadings, what happened in the courtroom Tuesday was arranged in advance between lawyers for the defendant and the prosecutors.

“All of my remaining days, I will feel tremendous sadness and regret for my conduct and for what I have done,” Abramoff told the court.

Up to 20 lawmakers under investigation
According to the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 9½ to 11 years, providing he cooperates with federal prosecutors in a wide-ranging corruption investigation that is believed to be focusing on as many as 20 members of Congress and aides.

Assistant Attorney General Alice S. Fisher said the Justice Department will pursue the investigation “wherever it goes.”

“We’re going to expend the resources to make sure people know that government is not for sale,” she said at a news conference.

Abramoff’s travels with former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay are already under criminal investigation. The lobbyist’s interactions with the Texas Republican’s congressional office frequently came around the time of campaign donations, golf outings or other trips provided or arranged by Abramoff for DeLay and other lawmakers. In all, DeLay received at least $57,000 in political contributions from Abramoff, his lobbying associates or his tribal clients between 2001 and 2004.

In a turnabout, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., joined the roster of politicians on Tuesday announcing plans to donate Abramoff’s campaign contributions to charity. According to NBC News, those charities have not yet been identified.

Hastert received almost $69,000 from Abramoff and his associates, NBC News reported on Tuesday.

Court papers released Tuesday also detailed lavish gifts and contributions that Abramoff gave an unnamed House member, identified elsewhere as Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Administration Committee, in return for Ney’s agreement to use his office to aid Abramoff clients.

Ney denies involvement
In a statement Tuesday, Ney said, “At the time I dealt with Jack Abramoff, I obviously did not know, and had no way of knowing, the self-serving and fraudulent nature of Abramoff’s activities.”

Jamie-andrea Yanak / AP file Representative Bob Ney, R-Ohio, was subpoenaed earlier in Abramoff's case.

Abramoff also was expected to plead guilty in Florida to two of the six charges in a federal indictment, according to his lawyer there, Neal Sonnett. A change of plea hearing has been scheduled in Miami for Wednesday afternoon, Justice officials said.

Abramoff attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement that 18 months ago Abramoff made contact with prosecutors “to admit his wrongdoing and to seek forgiveness from those he has wronged. He intends to continue to work with the Justice Department and others to fully resolve all matters of interest, to provide restitution to anyone he has harmed, and to seek absolution from all.”

Prosecutors say Abramoff and Scanlon conspired to defraud Indian tribes in Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas of millions of dollars. Abramoff reaped roughly $20 million in hidden profits from the scheme, according to the information. Lobbying partner Michael Scanlon pleaded guilty in November.

Abramoff and Scanlon also lavished a golf trip to Scotland and other things of value on Ney, the court document said. Ney has denied doing anything wrong.

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