The lawyer for a former White House official claims he is the victim of a "set-up" in the probe over disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

David Safavian, a former White House Office of Management and Budget official, has been indicted for lying to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and other investigators. But his lawyer says he was charged only because prosecutors really want Abramoff.

"This is a rigged set-up," the lawyer said in court yesterday, the Associated Press reported.

Safavian and Abramoff worked at the same firm and represented tribal gaming clients. Safavian continued to represent tribes -- including the National Indian Gaming Association -- at his own firm before going to work for Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah), a member of the House Resources Committee. Documents and news reports suggest some of Cannon's positions on tribal matters were influenced by Safavian.

Safavian wants a wide range of documents related to the Abramoff probe. A federal judge is considering the request.

Get the Story:
Ex-procurement official eyes Abramoff data (AP 11/14)

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Senate Indian Affairs Committee

Relevant Documents:
Exhibits from Hearing | Senate Witness List / Testimony

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