posted on May 22, 2006 09:56:34 AM new
Yes, there have been Republicans caught up in the Abramoff scandal but none of them have been caught on film like Jefferson.......
Filing: Tape Shows Lawmaker Taking Money
A congressman under investigation for bribery was caught on videotape accepting $100,000 in $100 bills from an FBI informant whose conversations with the lawmaker also were recorded, according to a court document released Sunday. Agents later found the cash hidden in his freezer.
At one audiotaped meeting, Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., chuckles about writing in code to keep secret what the government contends was his corrupt role in getting his children a cut of a communications company's deal for work in Africa.
As Jefferson and the informant passed notes about what percentage the lawmaker's family might receive, the congressman "began laughing and said, 'All these damn notes we're writing to each other as if we're talking, as if the FBI is watching,'" according to the affidavit.
Jefferson, who represents New Orleans, has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing.
As for the $100,000, the government says Jefferson got the money in a leather briefcase last July 30 at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Arlington. The plan was for the lawmaker to use the cash to bribe a high-ranking Nigerian official _ the name is blacked out in the court document _ to ensure the success of a business deal in that country, the affidavit said.
All but $10,000 was recovered on Aug. 3 when the FBI searched Jefferson's home in Washington. The money was stuffed in his freezer, wrapped in $10,000 packs and concealed in food containers and aluminum foil.
Two of Jefferson's associates have pleaded guilty to bribery-related charges in federal court in Alexandria. One, businessman Vernon Jackson of Louisville, Ky., admitted paying more than $400,000 in bribes to the lawmaker in exchange for his help securing business deals for Jackson's telecommunications company in Nigeria and other African countries.
The new details about the case emerged after federal agents searched Jefferson's congressional office on Capitol Hill Saturday night and Sunday. The nearly 100-page affidavit for a search warrant, made public Sunday with large portions blacked out, spells out much of the evidence so far.
The document includes excerpts of conversations between Jefferson and an unidentified business executive from northern Virginia. She agreed to wear a wire after she approached the FBI with complaints that Jefferson and an associate had ripped her off in a business deal.
Jefferson's lawyer, Robert Trout, contended that the prosecutors' disclosure was "part of a public relations agenda and an attempt to embarrass Congressman Jefferson. The affidavit itself is just one side of the story which has not been tested in court," Trout said in a statement.
The affidavit says Jefferson is caught on videotape at the Ritz- Carlton as he takes a reddish-brown briefcase from the trunk of the informant's car, slips it into a cloth bag, puts the bag into his 1990 Lincoln Town Car and drives away.
The $100 bills in the suitcase had the same serial numbers as those found in Jefferson's freezer.
While the name of the intended recipient of the $100,000 is blacked out, other details in the affidavit indicate he is Abubakar Atiku, Nigeria's vice president. He owns a home in Potomac, Md., that authorities have searched as part of the Jefferson investigation.
Jefferson assured the FBI informant in their coded conversations that he paid the money to the Nigerian official, even though the money was still in Jefferson's possession when agents searched his home Aug. 3.
On Aug. 1, two days after Jefferson picked up the $100,000, the informant called Jefferson to ask about the status of "the package."
Jefferson responded: "I gave him the African art that you gave me and he was very pleased."
When Jefferson and the informant had dinner at a Washington restaurant on May 12, 2005, the FBI was listening, too. Jefferson indicates he will need an increased stake in the profits of one deal, the affidavit said. Instead of the 7 percent stake originally agreed upon, he writes "18-20" on a piece of paper and passes it to the informant.
That is when negotiations move ahead and notes go back and forth, ending with Jefferson's laughter about the FBI watching it all.
Throughout the conversations, Jefferson makes attempts to deflect direct connections to any bribes.
He tells the informant at one point that money should be paid to businesses operated by his children. "I make a deal for my children. It wouldn't be me," Jefferson said, according to the affidavit.
In a different conversation, Jefferson seeks to distance himself from bribes that must be paid to Nigerian government officials to facilitate transactions.
"If he's gotta pay Minister X, we don't want to know. It's not our deal," Jefferson told the witness, according to the affidavit. "We're not paying Minister X a damn thing. That's all, you know, international fraud crap. We're not doing that. We're not doing any of that that gets us (unintelligible)."
The affidavit also spells out "seven other schemes" in which Jefferson was involved; nearly all were blacked out in the document.
The Jefferson investigation has provided fodder for Republicans who have suffered black eyes in the investigations of current and former GOP lawmakers, including Tom DeLay and Randy "Duke" Cunningham.
Jefferson, who has pledged not to resign from Congress in the face of the bribery investigation, speculated about his political future in one of the recorded conversations.
When the informant asked Jefferson about his political plans, he responded: "I'm gonna get your deal out of the way ... and I probably won't last long after that."
posted on May 22, 2006 10:06:02 AM new
::In a different conversation, Jefferson seeks to distance himself from bribes that must be paid to Nigerian government officials to facilitate transactions.::
Come on Bear - this isn't a political thing... the guy was just bringing his friends in on a deal he learned about in an e-mail. He gives them $100k and they transfer the balance of a former leaders hidden banks accounts to him.
Once he get that, he uses the funds to send send $5 each to the first 50,000 people on a mailing list, add his name to the list and in 6 weeks he'll have recieved enough money to pay for all of the needed reconstruction in New Orleans.
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People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
posted on May 22, 2006 12:20:49 PM new
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La
It all sounds so familiar and that name, where have I heard it before? Hmmm, anyways, it looks like he's movin on up, to the east side, to a deluxe apartment in the skyyy.
posted on May 22, 2006 12:33:37 PM newAs for the $100,000, the government says Jefferson got the money in a leather briefcase last July 30 at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Arlington. The plan was for the lawmaker to use the cash to bribe a high-ranking Nigerian official _ the name is blacked out in the court document _ to ensure the success of a business deal in that country, the affidavit said.
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
[ edited by Bear1949 on May 22, 2006 12:34 PM ]
posted on May 22, 2006 12:41:09 PM new
::As for the $100,000, the government says Jefferson got the money in a leather briefcase last July 30 at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Arlington. The plan was for the lawmaker to use the cash to bribe a high-ranking Nigerian official _ the name is blacked out in the court document _ to ensure the success of a business deal in that country, the affidavit said.::
Well yeah Bear .... certainly you have gotten the offer before... they offer you a n opportunity for a lucrative business relationship. You just have to put up some "honor" funds.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
posted on May 22, 2006 01:02:14 PM new
Yup Fenix, that explains why he hid $90 K in his freezer.
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Reader Dave Runyan kindly shared his email sent to NPR this morning. You might find it interesting.
I heard much information about Congressman William Jefferson on NPR Monday morning. I heard about his alleged crime and the bags of money in his freezer, his district, his committee membership, and his attorney’s complaints of trial-by-media.
But I was truly amazed to learn that the Congressman is one of those rare representatives that is an independant! At least I heard no party affiliation mentioned. After the coverage of Randy Cunningham’s crimes, in which the word “Republican” occurred approximately twice per sentence, obviously Jefferson is not a Republican.
And since the word “Democrat” was not uttered once during three newscasts and a special feature on Jefferson, nor during Cokie Roberts’ news analysis,
he is obviously not a Democrat, right? Am I correct?
Dave Runyan
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
posted on May 22, 2006 02:08:18 PM new
He just didn't want it to spoil.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
posted on May 23, 2006 07:41:55 AM new
I hope they put this crook Jefferson next to DUKE Cunningham and the Abramoff GANG when found guilty. Put them all away long enough so they can watch each others funerals in jail.
Bear, I would like to bet you anytime that many more republicans will be brought up on money charges this year than Democrats.
JOIN THE MAJORITY AND PROTEST WITH YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7th 2006 ELECTIONS. LETS CLEAN HOUSE!!!!
posted on May 23, 2006 04:57:40 PM new
The guy has been in trouble before. This is the same Dem who supposedly used National Guard during Katrina to take him to his home to retrieve personal belongings.
These are the things that should be investigated, but as it is, both parties are in a stalemate when it comes to the ethics committee. Instead of accountability, Republicans and Democrats would rather sit back and watch these stories unfold rather do something about it out of fear that ethics are some how politicized. Ironically, Bear brings this up considering Bear never wants to hold the Republicans accountable for anything. LOL.
posted on May 23, 2006 06:26:44 PM new
And what are the liberal dem leaders doing? Are they asking HIM to account for his actions? lol lol
No...they're blaming the FBI for doing this search of his office.
Like they believe IF someone in Congress is selling crack out of their office the FBI has NO business investigating it....searching their office either.
What a joke their whole party is.....especially old pelosi in not blaming another dem....no that's just NOT allowed.
While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation:
What would a Democrat president have done at that point? Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack.
Ann Coulter
posted on May 23, 2006 07:22:45 PM new Bear, I would like to bet you anytime that many more republicans will be brought up on money charges this year than Democrats.
Apparently your long term memory is going, sheepa, or don't you remember the list that showed more demos taking money from Abramoff than Republicans?
posted on May 23, 2006 08:15:38 PM newAnd what are the liberal dem leaders doing? Are they asking HIM to account for his actions? lol lol
No...they're blaming the FBI for doing this search of his office.
So, I guess I missed something. I even googled it and I'll be damned if I can find any mention of what would certainly be a front page story.....
Could someone please tell me when Bill Frist and Newt Gingrich became liberal democrats?
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) told a wire service yesterday that he was “very concerned” about the constitutionality of the search and had queried the Senate legal counsel to look into it.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) sent an e-mail to Capitol Hill Republicans on Sunday night decrying the FBI’s actions.
“What happened Saturday night ... is the most blatant violation of the Constitutional Separation of Powers in my lifetime,” Gingrich fumed, after having seen news of the search on CNN. “The President should respond accordingly and should discipline (probably fire) whoever exhibited this extraordinary violation. ... As a former Speaker of the House, I am shaken by this abuse of power.”
For someone chastising another post in an earlier post about being "behind the times" you seem to be a bit unaware yourself Linda.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
[ edited by fenix03 on May 23, 2006 08:16 PM ]
posted on May 23, 2006 08:33:29 PM new
Bear,liar_k and a few others are all running on empty about crooked conservative lawmakers.
I AM HAVING GREAT FUN WATCHING THE CONSERVATIVES FABRICATE LIES OUT OF THE AIR. THEY ARE GOOD AT IT THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE BEEN DOING THE BIG LIE FOR YEARS NOW.
THAT IS JUST ANOTHER REASON 8 OF 10 AMERICANS THINK THE LAWMAKERS ARE NOT DOING A GOOD JOB.
posted on May 25, 2006 03:18:27 AM new
Not behind on anything, old fenix. There is MUCH disagreement on this issue....and it HAS been done before. Doesn't matter who says what....it HAS been done before.
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"In the interest of upholding the high ethical standard of the House Democratic Caucus, I am writing to request your immediate resignation from the Ways and Means Committee," Pelosi wrote to Jefferson early Wednesday afternoon.
But her request was quickly shot down.
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Both pelosi and Hastert said it should have happened. BUT:
"[i]Jefferson search a first?
Hastert has said the search represents the first time a lawmaker's office has been searched in U.S. history, but the Justice Department says it has conducted similar searches.
Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty said Wednesday said that similar searches have been conducted in the past, including searches of federal judges' chambers and the private residences of congressmen.
"We believe our actions were lawful and necessary under these very unique circumstances," he said[/i].
In an affidavit filed in support of the search warrant for Jefferson's office, prosecutors said they had "exhausted all other reasonable methods to obtain these records in a timely manner."
[Taken from CNN yesterday.]
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While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation:
What would a Democrat president have done at that point? Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack.
Ann Coulter
[ edited by Linda_K on May 25, 2006 03:25 AM ]
posted on May 25, 2006 04:17:44 AM new
It sure is funny how both the republicans and democrats don't want their offices searched. WE ALL KNOW WHAT THEY ARE HIDING ANYWAY.
COME AND JOIN THE GREAT AMERICAN PROTEST ON NOVEMBER 7th 2006 AND CLEAN HOUSE.
PENNSYLVANIA PEOPLE CAN HELP SANITIZE THE SENATE BY FLUSHING (R)SEN.RICH SANTORUM OUT OF IT.
posted on May 25, 2006 05:09:06 AM new
"It sure is funny how both the republicans and democrats don't want their offices searched. WE ALL KNOW WHAT THEY ARE HIDING ANYWAY.
COME AND JOIN THE GREAT AMERICAN PROTEST ON NOVEMBER 7th 2006 AND CLEAN HOUSE."
SOOOOOOOO AHHHHH BIGPEEPA-YA SAY "BOTH" THE REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS DONT WANT THERE OFFICES SEARCHED AND THEY ARE "BOTH" HIDING SOMETHING ANYWAY...........AHHHHHHHHHHH SO "WHO" DO I VOTE FOR ON NOV 7TH????????????????????????????
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If you dont want to hear the truth....dont ask the question.
[ edited by classicrock000 on May 25, 2006 05:13 AM ]
Your right America needs to get rid of the crooks holding a political office no matter what party belong to.
We already know that this year there will be far more republicans being charged with money crimes than democrats.
So this year a good place to start cleaning house this November is with the republican party. Also we must dump any democrat that comes up on money charges like this thief Jefferson.
If there was a third party that had a chance to win I might vote for them.
I am not locked into any party. I just don't like what DUMBO Bush and his GANG of crooked sleazy conservative,phony religious,F-ing lawmakers are doing to this country. This year the democrats are better than this GANG OF CROOKS.
You have never seen me defend a crooked politician no matter what party they belong to.
THAT IS WHY I SAY COME AND JOIN THE GREAT AMERICAN PROTEST ON NOVEMBER 7th 2006. TOGETHER WE CAN START CLEANING HOUSE.
posted on May 25, 2006 07:18:28 AM new
You knew that LInda? You mean that you were fully aware that both Frist anfd Gingrich held the same opinions as the democratic leadership that you were so desperately lambasting? So why did you not mention that as you came up with your highly insulting crack dealer analogy?
Once again Linda you have demonstrated your complete lack of respect for honesty.
Ironic since you are the first to call people liars around here.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
[ edited by fenix03 on May 25, 2006 07:19 AM ]
posted on May 25, 2006 03:28:07 PM new
LOL....I didn't lie nor was I being dishonest. As you well know....news is constantly updated...as it was with this story and who was stepping forward to show how ignorant they are of Constitutional LAW. lol
Funny how you'd call THAT dishonest when you totally ignore the actual out-and-out LIARS here. lol
Nope...you don't have a double standard....nope. lol lol lol lol lol
posted on May 25, 2006 04:13:25 PM new
Linda - Oh please. Lets not start complaining that others do not police everyone. I don't recall even once seeing you call dbl on the mat for her repeated attacks on me dispite the fact that I have stood up for you in the past when under undue attacks. I don't need you to do it but after not doing it, you certainly don't have the right to call me on it.
I posted some information which from the tone of your original post you were not aware of, then you come back and state that yes, you were aware of it, now you are saying that you were not? Make up your mind Linda. Did you know that Frist and Gingrich held the same opinion as the democrats you were raking over the coals andchose to omit that little bit of information becauase it did not suit your political agenda or were you lying when you said that you knew that? It's one or the other, either you purposle omitted info that did not suit your purpose or you were unaware of it.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
[ edited by fenix03 on May 25, 2006 04:15 PM ]
posted on May 26, 2006 05:06:04 AM new
fenix - I long ago tired of your nitpicking posts where you want to argue a point as long as your opponent will play along.
You focus on and want to argue about totally irrelevant issues that makes you appear to me...just as dbl appears to you.
Look into your own mirror....there you will see what you accuse dbl of.
posted on May 26, 2006 07:00:16 AM new
Linda - What in the world are you talking about? When I address you it is regarding your statements on the topic at hand.
The past few interactions between us have been about your apparent conscious decision to ignore the fact that republican leadership took the same stance that you lambasted democrats for taking and a statement that you made that you refused to prove back up for.
They were both on completely on topic and relevent top the conversations, they are just things you didn't want to be called out.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
