WASHINGTON -- A one-time top aide to former Oklahoma Rep. Ernest Istook has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to defraud the House as part of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.
John Albaugh told a federal judge he is guilty of accepting gifts in return for official favors.
Albaugh could face up to 24 months in prison. The sentence could be reduced if he cooperates with the government's investigation of the scandal involving members of Congress, their aides and members of the Bush administration.
Albaugh worked eight years as chief of staff to Istook, a former Republican congressman who accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates. Istook also used the lobbyist's skybox at concerts.
(Copyright (c) 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Lawyer says 9/11 defendants will plead not guilty to gain platform Astronaut's baby daughter born as he circles Earth Calif. fisherman arrested in sea lion shooting NRC: Three Mile Island radiation not significant Police: Ohio suspect may have eaten evidence Cruise ship passenger rescued from ocean
;){kind=link}