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Ex-DeLay aide pleads guilty in corruption case
Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:17 PM ET
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By Richard Cowan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An ex-aide to former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and partner to a powerful Republican lobbyist pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Monday under a deal in which he is cooperating with prosecutors probing alleged influence-buying involving the lobbyist and lawmakers.
Michael Scanlon, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in defrauding Indian tribes of millions of dollars and lavishing gifts upon a member of the U.S. Congress.
He was ordered to pay $19.7 million in restitution to the tribes, could serve up to five years in prison and be fined $250,000 and must cooperate with prosecutors.
Scanlon left Delay's office and become a partner to wealthy lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has been indicted for fraud in a separate case in Florida. The plea agreement has been seen as a major advance in prosecutors' efforts to investigate alleged influence-buying involving Abramoff, members of Congress and government agencies.
Scanlon's lawyer Plato Cacheris said Scanlon has more information to provide to the government, but in an exchange with reporters after the hearing refused to comment on whether more members of Congress might be implicated.
"Guilty, your honor," Scanlon, 35, told federal Judge Ellen Huvelle in formalizing the plea deal.
Abramoff has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in Florida that he defrauded lenders in a casino cruise line deal.
'LOBBYIST A'
According to prosecutors, from January 2000 through at least April 2004, Scanlon conspired with a lobbyist, only identified as "Lobbyist A," to "corruptly" give gifts to government officials. In return, the officials were to perform acts benefiting Scanlon and "Lobbyist A."
In court papers filed last week, Scanlon was alleged to have given a member of Congress and his staff a golf trip to Scotland, sports tickets and other entertainment, as well as meals and campaign contributions.
DeLay has faced questions about whether his expenses for the Scotland trip were paid by Abramoff, which would violate House rules.