Abramoff's old law firm defending Griles

Thursday, January 25, 2007  

J. Steven Griles, the former deputy secretary at the Interior Department who is facing charges for the Jack Abramoff scandal, has hired Abramoff's former law firm.

Griles hired K&L Gates, previously known as Preston Gates Ellis. The firm was the first to hire Abramoff, who brought in several wealthy tribal clients.

Griles could be charged in connection with his testimony to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and for his actions as the number 2 at Interior. He is accused of favoring Abramoff's wealthy clients.

Federal prosecutors notified Griles earlier this month of possible charges. He has since resigned from his lobbying firm and stepped down from a Jamestown 2007 federal panel. His girlfriend, Sue Ellen Wooldridge, resigned from her job as the official in charge of environmental and Indian cases at the Justice Department.

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