William Jefferson Convicted in Cash-in-Freezer Case

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Filed under: Democrats, Scandal, Investigations

During his many years in Congress, William Jefferson accumulated power the quiet way. He walled himself off from the garish self-promotion that defines so many of his colleagues. Now, barring a successful appeal of his corruption conviction, he faces years behind the walls of prison.

Jefferson has been found guilty by an Alexandria, Va., jury of 11 counts, including soliciting and accepting bribes and using his official position to further a criminal enterprise. It was all connected to favors he granted in pursuit of African business ventures.

The case had various bizarre twists and turns over the years. The investigation was defined by $90,000 FBI agents found stashed in his home freezer.

Former colleagues in the House were somber. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement after the verdict it was a "sad day for the family, but no one is above the law."

Prosecutors wanted Jefferson to be jailed immediately, but the judge allowed the former Democratic U.S. representative from Louisiana to remain free until sentencing Oct. 30. The maximum is a theoretical 150 years, but sentencing guidelines will call for much less time. Still, William Jefferson can expect to serve many years behind bars if he fails to win on appeal.

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Post je objavljen 07.08.2009. u 01:39 sati.

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William Jefferson Convicted in Cash-in-Freezer Case