Abramoff gets prison in Florida fraud case

MIAMI — Jack Abramoff, the once-powerful Washington lobbyist whose downfall has propelled a far-reaching congressional corruption investigation, was sentenced Wednesday to five years and 10 months in prison for his role in the fraudulent purchase of a fleet of casino cruise boats.

U.S. District Judge Paul Huck gave Abramoff, 47, and his former partner, Adam Kidan, 41, the shortest possible prison terms under sentencing guidelines after prosecutors said both men have been aiding the ongoing investigation and had expressed remorse.

"They're both trying to atone by cooperating," Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence LaVecchio said in court.

Lawyers for Abramoff said he has reviewed "thousands of documents" in the effort, which could reach members of Congress, congressional staffers and employees of federal agencies, including the Interior Department.

What he is telling investigators is not known, however.

"Over the past two years, I have started the process of becoming a new man," Abramoff told the judge Wednesday. "I am much chastened and profoundly remorseful over the reckless and hurtful things I have done in my life, especially those which have brought me before you today."

Abramoff also faces sentencing in Washington after his guilty plea in January to charges of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials. He could receive more than nine years on those charges, but prosecutors have agreed to recommend the prison sentences from that case and the Miami case be served concurrently.

In pleading for the minimum sentence on the Florida charges, lawyers for each defendant laid most of the blame on the other for the scam, in which Abramoff and Kidan faked a $23 million wire transfer to fraudulently obtain a $60 million loan for the 2000 purchase of SunCruz Casinos.

Abramoff and Kidan pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud in the case.

In addition to prison terms, Huck ordered Abramoff and Kidan to pay restitution of $21.7 million and to serve three years probation upon their release.

Among the congressmen whose names have come up in the inquiry are Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, former chairman of the House Administration Committee; and Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, the former House majority leader.

Ney has been identified as "Representative 1" who, according to court documents, received bribes from Abramoff in exchange for official acts, including congressional statements that promoted the SunCruz deal.

An attorney for Ney, Mark Tuohey, said he and Ney have been in talks with prosecutors, seeking to persuade them not to bring charges.

DeLay, who once described Abramoff as "one of my closest and dearest friends," took three overseas trips with the lobbyist and received more than $70,000 in political contributions from him, his associates and his Native American tribal clients. He has denied wrongdoing.