NBC: Abramoff could get reduced sentence

[babylonsister]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18029493/

NBC: Abramoff could get reduced sentence
Judge grants request for new hearing, rewarding lobbyist for cooperating
Updated: 7:44 p.m. CT April 9, 2007

WASHINGTON - Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff may be getting out of jail earlier than he expected, NBC News learned on Monday. A federal judge Monday granted the government's request for a new hearing to determine an appropriate reduction in Abramoff's sentence, a reward based on his continued cooperation with investigators in several federal probes.

Abramoff is currently serving a five-and-a-half-year sentence for his conviction in the Florida-based SunCruz Casinos gambling boat fraud case. In Miami, U.S. District Judge Paul Huck granted the request from prosecutors once they told him Abramoff's cooperation in the investigations is fully completed.

Abramoff also pled guilty, in a separate case in Washington, to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials. He has yet to be sentenced in the Washington influence peddling case which netted former Ohio republican congressman Bob Ney who admitted taking gifts and trips from Abramoff, including a golf junket to Scotland, in exchange for his legislative favors to the lobbyist. Ney is serving 30 months in a federal prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schwartz, in court papers filed last month, wrote that the move to reduce Abramoff's sentence is "based upon the defendant having provided substantial assistance to the government in the investigation and/or prosecution of others."

The government said Abramoff has continued to cooperate with federal law enforcement authorities in its criminal investigations both in Florida and in Washington. "However, that cooperation is not yet complete and will not be complete within one year of the defendant's initial sentencing," according to the filing.

The prosecutor did not specify to the judge by how much the government wants Abramoff's sentence reduced, but wrote that once they file a motion for a hearing, "the government will advise the Court of the nature, extent, and value of the defendant's cooperation."

more...

[deutsey]

1. All animals are created equal

Some animals are more equal than others, though.

:eyes:

[Monkeyman]

2. Got to Wonder about U.S. Attorney Paul Schwartz

Does he work for the People or the White House

[seafan]

5. Schwartz is USA Alex Acosta's assistant. And Acosta is a "loyal Bushie".

"Is he a Bushie?", asked Harry Reid, about USA Alex Acosta, Southern District of Florida (Miami)


I am deeply suspicious of this move by Acosta & Co. in the Southern District of Florida.

Seems odd that the prosecutor of a case suddenly wants to shorten a "hard won" sentence for a figure so deeply enmeshed in far-reaching corruption as Jack Abramoff. Seems like the defense attorneys would be *more interested* in lessening their client's sentence than the prosecutor would...

US Attorney Alex Acosta's actions in the Abramoff case should be watched very closely. Senator Reid, I hope you are.

[aquart]

3. Schwartz's timing sucks.

Because now we have to take a real good look at him and how much he really got from Abramoff. Where's the indictment for DeLay? Hastert?

Another case tossed for political reasons?

[DemoTex]

4. "Continued cooperation" = Keeping his trap shut

"However, that cooperation is not yet complete and will not be complete .."

The "cooperation" is not complete until Abramoff walks free never having fingered any of the Bu$hco BigBoys.

[johnnyrocket]

6. Abramoff can walk free if he rats out Bush, Rove, Cheney & Co.

...as far as I'm concerned.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

7. sickening!

the amount of dirt that Abramoff was dealing in should have had him locked up for life.