Abramoff gets minimum in fraud case
MIAMI – Jack Abramoff, the once-powerful Washington lobbyist whose downfall has propelled a far-reaching congressional corruption investigation, was sentenced Wednesday to five years and 10 months in prison for his role in the fraudulent purchase of a fleet of casino cruise boats.
U.S. District Judge Paul Huck sentenced Abramoff, 47, and his former partner, Adam Kidan, 41, to the shortest possible prison terms under sentencing guidelines after prosecutors affirmed that both men have been aiding the ongoing law enforcement probes and had expressed remorse. Abramoff’s attorneys said he has reviewed “thousands of documents” in the effort, which could reach members of Congress, congressional staffers and employees of federal agencies, including the Interior Department.
“They’re both trying to atone by cooperating,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence LaVecchio said in court.
Abramoff, dressed in a gray double-breasted suit, appeared somber and detached during the proceedings. His wife, Pam, also attended.
In a subdued monotone, he told the judge that the day was “incredibly painful” for himself, as well as his family and friends.
“Over the past two years, I have started the process of becoming a new man. I am much chastened and profoundly remorseful over the reckless and hurtful things I have done in my life, especially those which have brought me before you today. I can only hope that the Almighty and those whom I have wronged will forgive me my trespasses, and that God grants me the time on this earth to make amends.”
Abramoff also faces sentencing in Washington following his guilty plea in January to charges of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials. He could receive a prison term of more than nine years on those charges, but prosecutors have agreed to recommend that the sentences from that case and the Miami case be served concurrently.
His time in jail could be lowered further if he provides substantial assistance to corruption investigators, and both prosecutors and defense attorneys said he had been helpful so far.
What he is telling investigators is not known, however.
In pleading for the minimum sentence on the Florida charges, lawyers for each defendant laid most of the blame on the other for the gambling boat scam, in which Abramoff and Kidan faked a $23 million wire transfer in order to fraudulently obtain a $60 million loan for the 2000 purchase of SunCruz Casinos.
Abramoff and Kidan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud in the case and under sentencing guidelines, each faced a minimum of five years and 10 months and a maximum of seven years and three months. In addition to their prison terms, Huck ordered Abramoff and Kidan to pay restitution of $21.7 million and to serve three years’ probation upon their release.
He also agreed to allow them at least 90 days before they must go to prison so they can continue cooperating with investigators looking into government corruption and the gangland-style slaying in 2001 of former SunCruz owner Konstantin “Gus” Boulis, with whom Abramoff and Kidan quarreled.
Three men have been charged with the killing. Abramoff and Kidan have denied any involvement in the murder.
Abramoff’s notoriety is more closely associated with his Washington influence, however. Among the congressmen whose names have come up in the probe are Rep. Robert Ney, R-Ohio, former chairman of the House Administration Committee, and Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, the former House majority leader.