Rep. Robert Ney (R-Ohio) agreed today to plead guilty to conspiring to commit multiple official acts for lobbyists in exchange for campaign contributions, meals and luxury travel, sports tickets and gambling chips. He became the first elected official to face charges in the ongoing influence-peddling investigation of former lobbying powerhouse Jack Abramoff.
After insisting for more than a year that he had broken no laws in his dealings with Abramoff, Ney signed a plea deal Wednesday that was entered into federal court today. Prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 27 months in prison.
Ney checked into an alcohol rehabilitation clinic Wednesday and apologized in a statement today for "serious mistakes" that have brought pain to his family and constituents.
Justice Department Criminal Division chief Alice Fisher announced today the department had accepted the plea agreement and filed a criminal information in court. Ney is expected to appear in court to enter a plea Oct. 13.
"Congressman Ney and his co-conspirators engaged in a long-term pattern to deprive the public of his honest, unbiased services as an elected official," said Fisher at a press conference. "People must have faith and confidence in their elected officials" and she said that Ney had "acted in his own interests, not in the interests of his constituents."
P.S. I wonder what he looks like without that hideous wig? LOL
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