Appeals Court Upholds Rep. Jefferson's Indictment

A federal appeals court today upheld the indictment of U.S. Congressman William J. Jefferson, 61, (D-Louisiana). Jefferson was indicted on 16 felony counts, including bribery, racketeering, obstruction of justice, violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, conspiracy, money laundering and misusing his office. In spite of the criminal charges, Jefferson is running for re-election and is expected to win handily. The appeals court ruling paves the way for a trial in the case, pending further appeal by Jefferson. The indictment, filed last year, alleges that between 2000 and 2005, Jefferson received more than $500,000 in bribes and demanded millions more, including $90,000 he received from an informant that was later found in the freezer of his Washington home. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors also contend that Jefferson used his influence as chairman of the congressional Africa Investment and Trade Caucus to broker deals in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and other African nations on behalf of those who bribed him. He faces up to 235 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Read the story here and here.

Read background on the story here, here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.

As with the case of Senator Ted Stevens, I believe William Jefferson should have the good grace to resign from office.