Jury Finds Alaska Rep Guilty of Bribery by VecoYesterday a jury found former Alaska state Rep. Pete Kott (R) guilty of taking bribes from former Veco CEO Bill Allen, who testified during the trial that he also paid for some of Sen. Ted Stevens’ (R-AK) home remodeling, AP reports.
In exchange for helping to get a petroleum state tax law passed that would entice oil companies to build a pipeline lucrative for Veco, Allen gave Kott cash and promised him a job at the company. Kott’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 7.
Federal prosecutors say the seven-term former lawmaker from Eagle River, north of Anchorage, accepted nearly $9,000, including a $7,993 check that he used to pay his son to work as his campaign manager. The company also paid for a poll at a cost of a $2,750, prosecutors said.Also, prosecutors said, VECO promised Kott a job after he left office in exchange for his support of their political agenda.
The jury conviction signals danger for Stevens, who is under investigation for his dealings with Allen.