Witnesses a potential problem in Abramoff trial
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Filed Under:
Abramoff Scandal
Two people who pleaded guilty for their roles in the Jack Abramoff scandal appear to be backtracking on their actions on behalf of the
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, The Hill newspaper reports.
Ann Copland, a former aide to
Sen. Thad Cochran
(R-Mississippi), admitted she accepted meals, concert tickets and other items from Kevin Ring, one of Abramoff's associates. But his lawyers claim the gifts didn't influence her actions on behalf of the tribe.
Robert Coughlin II. a former
Department of Justice official who pleaded guilty, also took actions to benefit the tribe. But he denies being influenced by the gifts, according to Ring's attorneys.
A third person, David Ayres, the former chief of staff to former attorney general
John Ashcroft, helped the Choctaws too. But he is expected to assert his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if called as a witness in Ring's trial.
Ring has been indicted on 10 felony counts of fraud, conspiracy and obstruction
of justice. He is accused of plying lawmakers, their aides and government
officials with gifts and of defrauding tribal clients, most notably
Sandia Pueblo of New
Mexico.
Jury selection began yesterday. Opening arguments are expected on Friday.
Get the Story:
Abramoff associate's trial a K Street test
(The Hill 9/9)
Relevant Documents:
DOJ
Opposition |
Indictment:
US v Ring
Related Stories:
Jury selection begins in Abramoff scandal case
(9/8)
Former DOJ official
tied to Abramoff investigation (9/4)
Former Abramoff associate headed to trial
(08/14)
Judge won't dismiss charges in
Abramoff case (06/26)
DOJ attorney
removed from Abramoff case (6/19)
Prosecutor pulled from case of Abramoff
associate (04/21)
Another lobbyist
charged in Abramoff scandal (9/9)
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