Federal prosecutors have a new helper in their investigation of the Jack Abramoff scandal.

The former chief of staff to Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK) pleaded guilty in federal court today and agreed to cooperate.

According to a Department of Justice press release:

John C. Albaugh, 41, entered his plea to a one count criminal information today in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, before Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle. At sentencing on Sept. 17, 2008, Albaugh faces up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and supervised release following his release from prison. As part of a plea agreement, Albaugh has agreed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the activities of former Washington, D.C., lobbyist Jack Abramoff and others.