The first member of Team Abramoff testified in federal court on Tuesday, describing how Jack Abramoff and his associates lobbied members of Congress and federal officials.
Neil Volz, a former Congressional staffer, said the team identified "champions" in the government. One was David Safavian, a former Bush administration official whom he said helped advance causes for lobbying clients. Safavian is on trial for allegedly lying to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and to federal investigators.
Another champion was Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio), Volz testified. Ney agreed to insert language into a bill that would help Abramoff's tribal clients and took other actions to benefit clients. Ney denies any wrongdoing and may face criminal charges for his involvement in the scandal.
Volz pleaded guilty and is cooperating with investigators. He is the only member of Team Abramoff expected to be called as a witness in the Safavian trial.
Get the Story:Former Ney Aide Details How Abramoff Treated 'Champions' (The Washington Post 5/31)
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Lawmakers refute Volz testimony (The Hill 5/31)
Ex-Aide Tells of Understating Cost of Trip (The New York Times 5/31)
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Unraveling �Team Abramoff�s� strategy (AP 5/30)
Former Lobbyist Testifies Against Official (AP 5/30) Recent Court Decisions US v. Safavian:
May 23, 2005 | April 28, 2006 | April 25, 2006 Court Documents US v Volz:
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