Prison For Ex-Lobbyist Abramoff

Judge Gives Capitol Hill Operator 5 years, 10 Months In Prison

(CBS/AP)  Assuring the judge he is working to become "a new man," disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced Wednesday to nearly six years in prison for committing fraud in the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats.

He will remain free while helping prosecutors with a vast bribery investigation involving members of Congress.

Hours later, the Senate gave approval in a 90-8 vote to scandal-inspired legislation restricting lobbyist gift giving and making lobbying activities more open.

But CBS News correspondent Gloria Borger reports the reform bill passed by the Senate is hardly the ethics overhaul once promised, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., gave the measure a "D" grade.

McCain told CBS News that his committee investigating Abramoff's shady business deals should light a fire under his colleagues.

"Obviously enthusiasm has waned, but there will be more indictments," McCain said. "So I hope it reignites our enthusiasm."

Abramoff, 47, and former business partner Adam Kidan, 41, received the minimum under federal guidelines: five years and 10 months.

The two pleaded guilty earlier to conspiracy and fraud for concocting a fake $23 million wire transfer to make it appear they were contributing their own money toward the purchase of the $147.5 million SunCruz Casinos gambling fleet. Based on that fraudulent transfer, lenders provided the pair with $60 million in financing.

CBS News correspondent Bob Fuss reports that Abramoff still faces sentencing for his guilty pleas in Washington to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy.

Abramoff told U.S. District Judge Paul C. Huck that he had "started the process of becoming a new man. I am much chastened and profoundly remorseful. I can only hope that the almighty and those I have wronged will forgive my trespasses."

He and Kidan were also ordered to pay restitution of more than $21 million. Both must serve three years' probation after they get out of prison.

Abramoff pleaded guilty in the SunCruz fraud in January. The same week, he pleaded guilty in Washington to defrauding Indian tribes and other lobbying clients out of millions of dollars. He also agreed to cooperate in a corruption probe that could involve up to 20 members of Congress, including former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas. No date has been set for his sentencing in that case.