A former Bush administration official who is connected to jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff rested his defense on Tuesday without calling any witnesses to the stand.

David H. Safavian is charged with four counts of making false statements to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and one count of obstructing justice. Prosecutors said he lied about his dealings with Abramoff, a former associate.

A jury convicted Safavian on similar charges but the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new trial. The second proceeding started December 9 in Washington, D.C.

Safavian is a former lobbyist for the National Indian Gaming Association and other gaming tribes.

Get the Story:
Case of Ex-White House Aide Heads to Jury (The Washington Post 12/16)
Jury deliberates in Safavian case (Government Executive News 12/16)
Ex-Bush Aide Decides Not to Take the Stand (The Washington Post 12/17)
Defense calls no witnesses in Safavian case (AP 12/17)

D.C. Circuit Decision:
US v. Safavian (June 17, 2008)

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Abramoff scandal figure indicted again (10/10)
Appeals court orders new trial in Abramoff scandal (6/18)
Appeals court hears Abramoff conviction case (1/9)
Abramoff not in NIGA's camp but lobbyist came close (01/19)