Prosecutors want prison for ex-officia

June 16, 2007
Prosecutors want prison for ex-official

WASHINGTON, June 16 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors asked a judge Friday to give former U.S. Deputy Interior Secretary J. Steven Griles a substantial prison term.

In a 48-page memo, prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Ellen Huvelle that Griles assisted lobbyist Jack Abramoff in return for jobs and other favors for four female "close personal friends," The Washington Post reported.

Italia Federici pleads guilty to lying to Senate investigators

June 8, 2007
Italia Federici pleads guilty to lying to Senate investigators

WASHINGTON — Italia Federici, an ally of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, pleaded guilty Friday to tax evasion and obstructing a Senate investigation into the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.

Federici's plea was part of a deal with the Justice Department that two people close to the case said could lead investigators to officials in Congress and the Bush administration.

Federici served as a go-between for Abramoff, who currently is in prison, and J. Steven Griles, a deputy Interior secretary who also has pleaded guilty to lying to Senate investigators.