Two former Department of Justice officials are being linked to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff through Kevin Ring, the latest person indicted in connection with the scandal.

Ring was in contact with former Solicitor General Paul Clement and David Ayres, a former chief of staff to former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, about issues affecting Abramoff's clients. Their titles -- but not names -- came up during a hearing into Ring's case yesterday, the Associated Press reported.

Ring was also in contact with Robert Coughlin, a former DOJ official who pleaded guilty for his role in the scandal. Clement, Ayres and Coughlin all worked for Ashcroft when Ashcroft was a U.S. Senator.

Ring intends to fight 10 charges related to his lobbying activities in Washington, D.C. He asked Judge Ellen S. Huvelle to step aside from the case but she declined the request yesterday.

Get the Story:
Ex-Justice officials emerge in case (AP 9/18)
Former Abramoff Associate Asks Judge to Step Aside (The Legal Times 9/18)

Relevant Documents:
US v. Ring (September 5, 2008)

Related Stories:
Blog: Abramoff associate asks judge to step aside (9/17)
Editorial: Still no justice after Abramoff scandal (09/12)
Jewish Daily Forward: Abramoff attempts makeover (09/12)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe defends lobbyist's work (9/11)
Editorial: Jack Abramoff pays the piper for crimes (9/11)
Judge reduces Abramoff sentence for bank fraud (9/11)
Rep. Wilson denies acting on Abramoff's behalf (9/10)
Abramoff redirected fees owed to lobbying firm (9/10)
Another former lobbyist indicted in Abramoff scandal (9/9)
Tribes still haunted by Jack Abramoff (9/5)
Blog: Some tribes not really Abramoff victims (9/5)
Abramoff sentenced for defrauding tribes (9/5)
Blog: Some tribes not really Abramoff victims (9/5)
Abramoff writes letter to judge before sentencing (9/4)
Abramoff set for sentencing in tribal fraud case (9/3)
Tribes want to speak at Abramoff sentencing (9/1)
Abramoff pleads for leniency ahead of sentencing (8/29)
Native Democrats drop McCain-Abramoff resolution (8/29)
DOJ seeks reduction in sentence for Abramoff (08/28)
Native Democrats tie Abramoff to McCain campaign (8/26)