J. Steven Griles pleads guilty for lying about Abramoff

Friday, March 23, 2007  

J. Steven Griles, the former deputy secretary at the Interior Department, plead guilty this morning to lying about his relationship with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Griles admitted to lying to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee at a November 2, 2005, hearing and during a deposition with the committee. He had repeatedly denied acting at the behest of Abramoff in gaming, land-into-trust and other matters at the department.

But in his plea, he admits to working with "Person A" -- identified as Italia Federici, his former girlfriend -- and with Abramoff to help Abramoff's tribal clients. Federici is a close associate of former Interior secretary Gale Norton, who has not been implicated in the scandal.

Griles entered his plea in federal court in Washington, D.C, this morning [DOJ Press Release | Criminal Information]. He apologized for lying to the committee and issued a statement.

As part of the deal, federal prosecutors will seek a 10-month sentence, the Associated Press reported. Griles will be able serve half of his time in home confinement.

Get the Story:
Ex-Deputy Pleads Guilty in Abramoff Case (AP 3/23)
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Former Interior Deputy to Plead Guilty in Abramoff Case (The Washignton Post 3/23)
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