A former business partner of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to bank fraud in a deal that requires his cooperation with the federal investigations of Abramoff.
Adam Kidan partnered with Abramoff to purchase a fleet of casino boats. Both were charged with faking a $23 million wire transfer when they couldn't come up with the funds, prosecutors said.
Abramoff has denied guilty but Kidan's plea tightens the case against him. Abramoff is set to go to trial in Miami next month.
Michael Scanlon, another former partner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is cooperating with another investigation of Abramoff's lobbying work.
Get the Story:Abramoff Partner Pleads Guilty in Florida (The Washington Post 12/16)
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Man praised by Ney pleads guilty to fraud charges (Cox News Service 12/16)
Kidan pleads guilty in SunCruz fraud (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 12/16)
Lobbyist's ex-partner admits fraud in casino-boat deal (AP 12/16)
Casino Partner Pleads Guilty in Fraud Case (The New York Times 12/16)
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Plea deal in growing scandal (Newsday 12/16)
Lobbyist's Ex-Associate Pleads Guilty to Fraud (The Los Angeles Times 12/16)
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