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**dafodilkemmy** · 06-08-2007, 07:17 PM

ISSUE 1. William Jefferson...

This ought to be good.... I cannot even begin to imagine his defense

Congressman Pleads Not Guilty to Bribery

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/08/wa...d-jeff.html?hp

By JOHN HOLUSHA
Published: June 8, 2007

Representative William Jefferson, a Louisiana Democrat, pleaded not guilty today to federal charges that he solicited hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes while trying to arrange business deals in Africa.

Mr. Jefferson was indicted on Monday on 16 criminal counts that included racketeering, soliciting bribes, money laundering and obstruction of justice. He was charged with soliciting more than $400,000 in bribes; investigators have said they found $90,000 in cash in a freezer during a raid on his home in Washington.

Speaking at a televised news conference after his appearance in a federal court in Alexandria, Va., Mr. Jefferson said, “I am absolutely innocent of the charges against me.”

He added that he asked the press and the public “to keep an open mind until all the facts are on the table.”

He said the charges in the 94-page indictment paint a false picture of himself and his family: “This is not about who we are, this not about what I am, this is not what we have done.”

Mr. Jefferson has been under investigation for about two years and his congressional office was raided in addition to his home.

U.S. District Judge T. S. Ellis released Mr. Jefferson on bail. The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Jan. 16, 2008.

06-08-2007, 07:17 PM	#1
dafodilkemmy Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 471 Senior Member	Corruption in Govt ISSUE 1. William Jefferson... This ought to be good.... I cannot even begin to imagine his defense Congressman Pleads Not Guilty to Bribery http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/08/wa...d-jeff.html?hp By JOHN HOLUSHA Published: June 8, 2007 Representative William Jefferson, a Louisiana Democrat, pleaded not guilty today to federal charges that he solicited hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes while trying to arrange business deals in Africa. Mr. Jefferson was indicted on Monday on 16 criminal counts that included racketeering, soliciting bribes, money laundering and obstruction of justice. He was charged with soliciting more than $400,000 in bribes; investigators have said they found $90,000 in cash in a freezer during a raid on his home in Washington. Speaking at a televised news conference after his appearance in a federal court in Alexandria, Va., Mr. Jefferson said, “I am absolutely innocent of the charges against me.” He added that he asked the press and the public “to keep an open mind until all the facts are on the table.” He said the charges in the 94-page indictment paint a false picture of himself and his family: “This is not about who we are, this not about what I am, this is not what we have done.” Mr. Jefferson has been under investigation for about two years and his congressional office was raided in addition to his home. U.S. District Judge T. S. Ellis released Mr. Jefferson on bail. The trial is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Jan. 16, 2008.
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