Adam Kidan is prepared to testify against disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio) as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors.

The deal is all but finalized, according to news reports. A hearing has been scheduled next week to accept Kidan's plea.

"Adam will testify against Abramoff and Ney if he is given an opportunity to do so," his attorney told The Washington Post.

Kidan and Abramoff purchased the SunCruz fleet of casino boats in the fall of 2000. Prosecutors alleged they faked a bank wire transfer because they didn't have the money to cover the $147 million deal.

As the deal was being made, Ney inserted comments in the Congressional record that criticized the former owner of SunCruz who was later murdered. When the purchase was complete, he inserted comments that praised Kidan. He said he didn't know Abramoff was part of the deal.

Abramoff is set to go to trial on the bank fraud charges in January 2006.

Get the Story:
Plea Deal Near With 2nd Abramoff Associate (The Washington Post 12/9)
pwpwd
Lobbyist case plea expected (Newsday 12/9)
Judge sets hearing (AP 12/9)
Kidan is expected to admit to fraud (The Miami Herald 12/9)
pw1

Related Stories:
Ex-Abramoff partner set for deal in fraud case (12/8)
Scanlon to cooperate in Abramoff fraud case (11/23)
Plea deal raises more questions about scandal (11/22)
Scanlon free to cooperate in lobbying probe (11/22)
Not guilty pleas in Abramoff-related murder (11/08)
Third suspect held in murder linked to Abramoff (10/14)
Two men held without bail in Abramoff-related case (10/03)
Three arrested in shooting linked to Abramoff (09/28)
In court, Abramoff blamed partner for bad deal (09/26)
Abramoff set to go to trial in December on fraud (08/31)
Abramoff makes first court appearance on charges (08/19)
Abramoff to cooperate with Miami murder probe (08/17)
Ohio Congressman vouched for indicted Abramoff pal (08/16)
Jack Abramoff, partner indicted on bank fraud charges (08/12)
Abramoff a target in federal bank fraud probe (05/02)