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Safavian convicted again in Abramoff scandal

1 day ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Bush administration official has been convicted for lying about his relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

It was the second time David Safavian had been convicted by a jury in the Abramoff lobbying scandal. Safavian's first conviction was overturned on appeal.

Safavian was found guilty of obstruction and making false statements to investigators. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

He was convicted of trying to hide his relationship with Abramoff and his participation in Abramoff's now-famous golf junket to Scotland with members of Congress.

The former chief of staff for the General Services Administration is the only person in the scandal to take his case to trial.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal jury has reached a verdict in the corruption trial of a former Bush administration official charged in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.

The jury has deliberated since Wednesday on whether David Safavian lied to investigators about his relationship with the disgraced lobbyist.

It's the second time Safavian has gone to trial. His conviction in 2006 was overturned on appeal.
The former chief of staff for the General Services Administration is the only person in the Abramoff scandal to take his case to trial.

Others — including Abramoff himself — have entered into plea deals that involve assisting prosecutors with their investigation. Jurors were to report their verdict later Friday.