William Jefferson news stories on Newser

Ex-Rep. Jefferson Sentenced to 13 Years

M. Morris — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:19:53 CST

A federal judge sentenced former Congressman William Jefferson to 13 years in prison today, less than the 27-plus years prosecutors called for but more than the 10-year term the Louisiana Democrat's lawyer wanted. Jefferson, who was convicted in August of 11 of the 16 counts relating to the public corruption...

Ex-Congressman Caught With $90K in Freezer Is Guilty

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:31:14 CDT

A federal jury convicted a former Louisiana congressman today of taking bribes on 11 of 16 counts in a case in which agents found $90,000 in his freezer. Former Rep. William Jefferson, a Democrat who had represented parts of New Orleans, was accused of accepting more than $400,000...

My Client's Corrupt, But Who Isn't?

Kevin Spak — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:50:08 CDT

Former Rep. William Jefferson’s lawyer tried a novel defense tactic in his closing arguments yesterday: putting all of the political class on trial. Sure, his client had stashed bribe money in his freezer—but hasn’t everyone, metaphorically speaking? “We all occupy the gray area,” said attorney Robert Trout. “We’re all...

With Friends Like These...

Kevin Spak — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:48:01 CDT

What do you say when you’re defending William Jefferson, on trial for allegedly taking $100,000 in bribe money and hiding it in his freezer? Pretty much whatever the heck you can think of, writes Dana Milbank of the Washington Post . The lawyer for the then-Congressman opened his defense yesterday...

Corruption Trial of Ex-Louisiana Rep Kicks Off

Harry Kimball — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:59:32 CDT

Jury selection began today in the trial of former Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The Democrat is charged with taking bribes and using his office to set up business deals in Africa. “It is good to have my family with me,” he said as he arrived...

Supreme Court Shoots Down Jefferson's Appeal

Kevin Spak — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:44:57 CDT

The Supreme Court today refused to hear William Jefferson’s appeal, meaning the former New Orleans congressman’s corruption case is headed for trial, the Times-Picayune reports. The court will, however, consider overturning the fraud conviction against former media mogul Conrad Black and two of his compatriots.

Politicians We'll Miss in 2009

Kevin Spak — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:29:01 CST

The election is over, a political era is ending, and a number of this year's frequent headline-makers will step out of the spotlight in 2009. Politico gets misty-eyed about its favorites: Dick Cheney: Who else would tell a senior senator to “go f*** himself”? Who else, when asked about the...

Narrow Ohio Dem Victory Boosts House Majority to 79

Peter Fearon — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:53:25 CST

The last outstanding contest for the House of Representatives is over, with Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy declared the winner in a tight Ohio contest, boosting the Democratic majority to 79 seats. Kilroy is the first Democrat in a generation elected to the House in her county. Her victory over state...

Indicted La. Rep Jefferson Loses to GOP Newbie

Drew Nelles — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:37:15 CST

An election delay caused by Hurricane Gustav likely helped tip the vote away from scandal-plagued Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson, whose nine-term Congressional career came to an unexpected end yesterday, the Times-Picayune reports. Republican newbie Anh "Joseph" Cao unseated the 2nd district’s incumbent African-American Democrat in an election marked by much...