In the light of
the arrest this morning in the Cash for Peerages scandal, this story from
WASHINGTON (AP) -
Former Rep. Bob Ney was sentenced Friday to 2½ years in federal prison for
trading political favors for gifts and campaign donations from lobbyist Jack
Abramoff.
Ney, the first congressman ensnared in the lobbying scandal, pleaded guilty in
October to conspiracy and making false statements. He admitted being corrupted
by golf trips, tickets, meals and campaign donations from Abramoff.
"You violated a host of laws that you as a congressman are sworn to
enforce and uphold," said U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle, who
recommended that Ney serve his time at a federal prison in
Ney will also serve two years probation and must pay a $6,000 fine. Huvelle
recommended he enter a prison alcohol rehabilitation program for treatment of a
drinking problem he has acknowledged in recent months.
