Politics
Abramoff pleads not guilty to bank fraud charges


Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded not guilty to bank fraud charges on Monday but did not appear personally in federal court in Miami.

The plea was entered by Abramoff's lawyer who denied that the Republican lobbyist faked a $23 million wire transfer as part of the $147 million purchase of a fleet of casino boats. Another hearing is scheduled today, The Washington Post reported.

Separately, Abramoff is being investigated by a grand jury in the Washington area, by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and by federal agencies for his lobbying activities on behalf of several wealthy tribes. It is not known if any charges will be brought in this case.

Get the Story:
Former Lobbyist Pleads Not Guilty in Fraud Case (The Washington Post 8/30)
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Charges stem from SunCruz fleet purchase (AP 8/30)
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Lobbyist Denies Guilt in Casino Purchase (The New York Times 8/30)
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High-profile lobbyist pleads not guilty to fraud charges (Knight Ridder Newspapers 8/29)
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