A former Department of Justice official accepted gifts from Jack Abramoff and his associates but is unlikely to face charges, according to attorneys for a lobbyist who is heading to trial.

David Ayres served as chief of staff to former attorney general John Ashcroft. He allegedly helped ensure the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Abramoff's top client, received $16 million in federal funds for a detention facility.

In exchange, Ayres received event tickets from Abramoff, according to Kevin Ring, a former lobbyist who has been charged for his role in the scandal. Ring wants Ayres to testify in his upcoming trial but says Ayres will exercise his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Ayres now serves as CEO at The Ashcroft Group. He is unlikely to face charges because the statute of limitations has run out, according to Ring's attorneys.

Ring was indicted last September on bribery and corruption charges. He is accused of plying lawmakers, their aides and government officials with gifts and of conspiring to defraud tribes, most notably Sandia Pueblo of New Mexico.

Get the Story:
Ashcroft aide threatens to take the Fifth (The Politico 9/4)

Court Decision:
US v. Ring (June 25, 2009)

Related Stories:
Former Abramoff associate headed to trial (08/14)
Judge won't dismiss charges in Abramoff case (06/26)
DOJ attorney removed from Abramoff case (6/19)
Prosecutor pulled from case of Abramoff associate (04/21)
Another lobbyist charged in Abramoff scandal (9/9)