Abramoff Pleads Guilty in Second Federal Case

Completing the second half of his plea deal with the government, lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud charges in connection with his 2000 purchase of a gambling boat fleet. The plea came one day after Abramoff pleaded guilty to three other federal charges in connection with public corruption involving dozens of congressional lawmakers, aides and former business associates of Abramoff. Today’s guilty plea carries a maximum penalty of seven years, but that sentence could be reduced in exchange for his cooperation in both cases, and would also run concurrent with whatever jail time he faces in connection with the other federal case.