A former chief of staff for an Oklahoma congressman is the latest figure caught up in prosecution of Jack Abramoff’s lobbying ring.
John Albaugh, the former chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK), has been charged with a conspiracy to defraud the House of Representatives, taking perks and doling out official favors:
John Albaugh is accused of accepting gifts in return for official favors. The charge is outlined in a criminal information filed in federal court on Friday. Such documents are normally entered as part of a plea deal. A court hearing was set for Monday afternoon.
According to the criminal information, Albaugh accepted tickets to George Strait and Tim McGraw concerts.
In one email, a lobbyist from Abramoff’s firm told Albaugh: “You’re going to eat for free off our clients”
After Istook was named chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, a fellow lobbyist emailed a lobbyist from Abramoff’s firm (identified in the Information only as Lobbyist C) and said “[t]hat’s good for us!! Hello Albaugh,’ according to the court papers.