We told you it was likely to happen. And now it has.
John Ashcroft's top aide from the Justice Department has pleaded the fifth in the trial of a member of Team Abramoff.
David Ayres, called as a defense witness in Kevin Ring's trial, repeatedly invoked his right to avoid self-incrimination, responding to questions from defense lawyers by declaring:
Based on the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer, invoking my constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment.
Ayres was being asked about prosecutors' claims that, while Ashcroft's chief of staff at the Justice Department, he reversed an earlier decision by green-lighting federal money for a prison project sought by an Abramoff client -- then accepted sought-after college basketball tickets from Ring.
Ring is on trial for allegedly using meals, drinks, and tickets to events to influence public officials. David Safavian, the former chief procurement officer for the Bush administration, is the only person to go on trial in connection to the Abramoff scandal. He was convicted of lying to investigators. Sixteen other people have pleaded guilty
Ayres parlayed his time at the Justice Department into a lucrative private-sector gig. He teamed with Ashcroft and a former Dick Cheney aide to found The Ashcroft Group, a law and "strategic consulting" firm. Ayres currently serves as the firm's CEO.
Ayres did not respond to TPMmuckraker's request for comment. He has not yet spoken publicly about his role in the case.

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mac2151
September 17, 2009 6:02 PM
Seems like there was more than just mere political influence at the DOJ, huh?
With the new investigation of Gale Norton, Sue Ellen Wooldridge might be the next ex-DOJ'er pleading the Fifth.
For a reminder, see: Daily Kos, June 29, 2007, Griles & Wooldridge: A Marriage Made By Cheney.
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Mrs Panstreppon
September 17, 2009 8:26 PM in reply to mac2151
It does seem like old home week around here lately, mac. Schlozman, Scott Bloch, Gale Norton, Jack Abramoff....
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Citoyen92
September 17, 2009 10:21 PM in reply to Mrs Panstreppon
Indeed Mrs. P! These slimeballs are making me queasy. I'd like to see Norton do time.
As you know, Federici got away with a halfway house. And her "Deputy" H Jared Carpenter did time. Always the little fish that gets it.
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Mrs Panstreppon
September 18, 2009 10:11 AM in reply to Citoyen92
Federici supposedly cooperated but I don't know what she had to give up. I've long suspected that McCain, as chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, whitewashed Norton's role in the Abramoff scandal.
The taxpayers footed Norton's huge legal bills in the Cobell case, something I wish I knew more about.
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Citoyen92
September 17, 2009 10:19 PM in reply to mac2151
Sue Ellen Woodridge was also on Dick Cheney's speed dial when he wanted to write policy in secret and give the baby away with the bathwater.
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mac2151
September 17, 2009 9:41 PM
Roger Martin had a good piece in WaPo today that would be right up your alley, entitled "Wall Street's Self Serving Illuson".
I think the same could be said about government & justice, especially under the Cheney/Rove Administration.
Oops, there goes my Kiawah Island pad.
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