Federal prosecutors are laying the groundwork for a major corruption case against Rep. William J. Jefferson (D-Louisiana), one of many lawmakers to face scrutiny for their dealings in Washington.

The FBI raided Jefferson's U.S. Capitol office on Saturday. Previously, agents raided his home on Capitol Hill, where they found $90,000 inside a freezer, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.

The $90,000 came from a $100,000 bribe given to Jefferson, prosecutors allege. A Virginia businesswoman who became suspicious of the congressman wore an FBI wire in which the transaction allegedly occurred, according to news reports. The incident was also videotaped.

Get the Story:
FBI Says It Saw Jefferson Take Cash (The Washington Post 5/22)
FBI Searches Congressional Office of Louisiana Lawmaker (The Washington Post 5/21)
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F.B.I. Searches Official's Office in Ethics Inquiry (The New York Times 5/21)
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Relevant Links:
Rep. William J. Jefferson - http://www.house.gov/jefferson