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Investigators Probing Other Former DoJ Officials
Last week, Robert Coughlin, the former chief of the criminal division at the Justice Department pleaded guilty to conflict of interest charges. Filings by prosecutors showed that Coughlin served as an inside man for Jack Abramoff's associate Kevin Ring.
As part of his plea deal, Coughlin has agreed to cooperate fully with prosecutors in the continuing investigation. But it wasn't clear from his plea whom Coughlin might be able to finger. Legal Times reports that prosecutors are looking elsewhere in the Justice Department:
A source familiar with the Abramoff probe says the Justice Department is continuing to investigate other former Justice officials. Coughlin and at least two other unnamed Justice officials helped secure a $16.3 million grant for Ring's client, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, court documents say. A deputy assistant attorney general had previously approved $9 million for the tribe. One unanswered question is which official at the department overruled that decision, giving the tribe the full amount.

















And in related bribery news, ex-GOP Congressman Cunningham briber Mitchell Wade will be sentenced on December 15. Federal prosecutors asked the judge to delay sentencing until after November (wonder why)?
Wade's company, MZM, paid Cunningham's personal bills, showering him with boats, cars, cash and anqiques in exchange for DOD contracts.
While there are no direct links between MZM and Abramoff, there is some circumstantial evidence linking the two, through a DC Council race in 2002.
In 2002, two of Jack Abramoff's front companies, KayGold LLC and Livsar, gave to the DC Council campaign of David Catania (then a Republican). Also contributing to that race was Mitchell Wade, his wife, and several of his company officers.
Josh Marshall covered the wade portions on TPM when it happened, but a real answer never proffered.
Why were Abramoff and Wade funding the re-election of a gay GOP DC citycouncilman?
You can see the Wade and the Abramoff contributions in the finance report here.
April 28, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Um... the fox is guarding the henhouse and DOJ prosecutors are investigating former DOJ officials???
Janet Reno better watch out. Michael Mukasey is after her...
April 28, 2008 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink