Closing arguments were held on Monday in the only Jack Abramoff case to go to trial.

David Safavian, a former Bush administration official and lobbyist, is charged with lying about his ties to Abramoff. The charges stem from an overseas trip Safavian took with Abramoff that was partly financed with tribal funds.

The judge hearing the case threw out one of the charges against Safavian. He said federal prosecutors failed to show he lied to General Services Administration ethics officers about Abramoff ever doing "business" before the agency.

The remaining charges, including lying and obstructing the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, stand as the jury begins deliberations. Safavian, who once represented the National Indian Gaming Association, faces prison time if convicted.

So far, four people connected to the Abramoff scandal have pleaded guilty. Safavian's lawyer has said prosecutors went after him only because he refused to deal.

Get the Story:
Safavian Case Goes to Jurors (The Washington Post 6/13)
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Judge Lets Stand Major Charges Against Ex-Aide (The New York Times 6/13)
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Prosecutor Seeks Conviction for Safavian (AP 6/12)
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Recent Court Decisions US v. Safavian:
May 23, 2005 | April 28, 2006 | April 25, 2006

Court Documents US v Volz:
Charge of Information | Guilty Plea | Factual Proffer

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