MSNBC: Ex-associate of Abramoff could plead guilty

[ProSense]

Ex-associate of Abramoff could plead guilty
Former partner charged with fraud, conspiracy

The Associated Press
Updated: 4:02 p.m. ET Dec. 9, 2005


MIAMI - A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for next week at which a former business associate of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff could plead guilty to charges arising from the 2000 purchase of SunCruz Casinos’ gambling fleet.

Plea agreements in federal criminal cases usually require the defendant to cooperate with prosecutors in return for a reduced prison sentence. That means if Adam Kidan pleads guilty he could be required to provide evidence against Abramoff and possibly testify against the lobbyist.

U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck scheduled the “change of plea” hearing for Kidan for Thursday, the judge’s office said.

Kidan and Abramoff were indicted in August on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and wire fraud. Prosecutors say they faked a $23 million wire transfer to make it appear they were putting a sizable chunk of their own money into the $147.5 million SunCruz deal.


http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10399956/

[ChairmanAgnostic]

1. I don't think most know how hugh this is.

the house of cards and roves and hughes and rice and more will soon collapse under the weight of newly served indictments.

[SpiralHawk]

2. Gettin series

Gonna get seriesier

[NI4NI]

3. Like the filthy rats

that they are they're jumpin' ship and turning on each other in order to save their own sorry asses. I have a hopeful wish and feeling that there's plenty more to come, and I want to see DeLay squirm snivel and cry like Mr. big bad and brave Duke Cunningham did....something Martha Stewart didn't.

[ProSense]

4. Anybody notice the Republicans are in real trouble? n/t

[ChairmanAgnostic]

5. we seem to. A few in the GOP seem to. But the dems and MSM ignore it.

The fire is hot, the iron is red, it is time to strike.
The only one who was striking was Howard Dean. kerry did ok the past few days, too. But Billery, I know her goal is on the presidency, but, pandering like she is, well I do not believe
a) her
b) her "changes"
c) that she can pull it off.

[ProSense]

6. Miami Herald: Abramoff discussing plea

Posted on Fri, Dec. 09, 2005

SUNCRUZ CASE

Kidan is expected to admit to fraud

One of the partners in the $147.5 million SunCruz sale five years ago is expected to plead guilty next week to fraud charges, according to law enforcement sources.

BY WANDA J. DeMARZO AND JAY WEAVER

[email protected]


Adam Kidan, the New York businessman who teamed up with a powerful Washington, D.C., lobbyist to buy SunCruz Casinos, has agreed to plead guilty to defrauding lenders in the $147.5 million purchase five years ago, according to sources familiar with the federal criminal case.

Kidan, 41, indicted along with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, is expected to enter his plea next Thursday before a federal judge in Fort Lauderdale.

Several attempts to reach Kidan's attorneys Thursday were unsuccessful.

Abramoff, 46, is also discussing a possible plea deal with federal prosecutors, sources say.

But Abramoff's attorney, Neal Sonnett, said he is preparing to defend his client at trial, which is set for Jan. 9 before U.S. District Judge Paul Huck. Sonnett declined further comment.


http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/13364243.htm?source=rss&channel=miamiherald_broward_county