Ex-Rep. Bob Ney Gets 30 Months In Jail

Former Ohio GOP Congressman Sentenced For Role In Abramoff Corruption Scandal

(CBS/AP)  Former Rep. Bob Ney was sentenced Friday to 30 months in federal prison for his role in a congressional bribery scandal.

Ney was the first member of Congress to plead guilty to corruption charges in the scandal revolving around Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff – but that investigation continues and he might not be the last, CBS News correspondent Bob Fuss reports.

Ney admitted he took gifts, meals, free trips and even gambling chips from those who wanted favors, including Abramoff. Ney, who was an influential member of the House Republican leadership, denied wrongdoing right up until he accepted a plea bargain, after which he immediately entered an alcohol rehabilitation program.

He asked the judge for leniency, saying his drinking led to his corruption.

U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle said that Ney would serve his time at a federal prison in Morgantown, West Virginia.

When he is released, the judge said, Ney will serve another two years on probation and pay a $6,000 fine. She also ordered him into a prison alcohol rehabilitation program.

The sentence was harsher than recommended by prosecutors or Ney's lawyers, Huvelle said, because Ney had violated the trust place on him as a public official. "Both your constituents and the public trusted you to represent them honestly," she said.

Ney apologized to his family and constituents during a brief speech to the judge.

"I will continue to take full responsibility, accept the consequences and battle the demons of addiction that are within me," he said.

Abramoff, once an influential lobbyist, is the star witness in an FBI corruption investigation that has shaken Capitol Hill. He is serving prison time for a fraudulent Florida casino deal.

Ney's plea in the election-year scandal drew criticism from Republican congressional leaders and the White House. White House spokesman Tony Snow said Ney's criminal activity "is not a reflection of the Republican Party."

Ney pleaded guilty to conspiracy and making false statements. He is the latest in a string of men convicted in a scandal that so far has caught several lobbyists and two members of the Bush administration.

The gifts Ney received ranged from a trip to Scotland bankrolled by Abramoff's clients to thousands of dollars in gambling chips Ney got on two overseas junkets from foreign businessman Fouad al-Zayat, a Syrian-born aviation company owner in Cyprus.

"I allowed myself to get too comfortable with the way things have been done in Washington, D.C., for too long," Ney said in a written statement after his previous court appearance.

the74blaster wrote:

"Can anyone name a Bush success?"

I don't think he's had too many, certainly not in running his businesses ("Daddy, can you bail me out again?") nor with running the country - unless you want to include the success he's had with removing the freedoms of Americans.

RandalDS wrote:

"And at least he only screwed women, instead of *** over the whole country like Bush has."

So very true.

[shortman2003]

My question is does this guy get to keep his congressional golden fleece benefits ? If so I think he should get the chair.

[hungry1968]

I'm amazed by the alcohol dependency problems in Washington DC. Ted Kennedy, Mark Foley, Bob Ney... the list is endless. Maybe alcohol should be outlawed within the Washington DC city limits.

[newsjeff-2009]

For all of you that are fussing about Bill Clinton's behavior, let me give you an education on the laws of the U.S. It is not against the law for two-consenting adults to have an intimate relationship, even two men or two women. If the GOP wants to finger point Mary Cheney lays down with a woman every night, and Newt Gingrich sure has a very interesting personal life history I read about on an internet article I read about him(When I say "him" in am speaking about Newt Gingrich, not Bill Clinton!!)Gingrich is in his 3rd marriage now, McCain is in a second marriage, so sounds to me like the Clintons at least held their marriage together unlike many other Americans or GOP polical leaders for that matter.

[dubdub32]

Y'all talk about Clinton..you mean to tell us that y'all are a bunch of lilly white or black married men who never messed around, I mean NEVER???..Sure are a lot of liars out there

[the74blaster]

b48151 wrote:

"Kinda like Clinton did in his final days..."

Anyone that makes this comparison does not have the facts. Comparing the Clinton presidency to the Bush presidency is a joke.

The difference is Clinton had some sucessful programs and ended his term with the federal government running an annual surplus of 234 billion.

Can anyone name a Bush success? We already know the numbers that describe the sea of red ink the Bush adminstration has created!

[randalds]

Yep. Clinton was a lying, cheating, piece of *** - but the funny thing is, that GW Bush is still 20 times worse then him.

And a complete moron as well.

Impeach that sob Bush.

Posted by mcdazz at 07:50 PM : Jan 19, 2007

And at least he only screwed women, instead of *** over the whole country like Bush has.

b48151 wrote:

"Kinda like Clinton did in his final days..."

Yep. Clinton was a lying, cheating, piece of *** - but the funny thing is, that GW Bush is still 20 times worse then him.

And a complete moron as well.

Impeach that sob Bush.

[annd2302]

luvNY Gee, luvNY, that is over-kill, huh? Or is that thing common place in NY?

[tibu987]

What I find most disgusting with the abundance of creeps in Washington is their sanctimonious, arrogant, can't touch me in my ivory tower,
manner. Like their criminal cohorts, the Catholic
sexual predators, they somehow, against all reason, accept what they do. Preying on children or preying on your contituents are both serious crimes that should be dealt with more harshly.
'Nuff said.

[randalds]

I once stood in a line for Zepplin tickes that was shorter than the one the neo-cons are forming at the prison bus door...
Posted by huskerarmy at 03:11 PM : Jan 19, 2007

Never saw Zepplin live. FU*CK!!! One of the great disappointments of my life. True word.

[govslug]

Ney played his cards right - all of a sudden, after he was indited, he created a drinking problem (surely on the advise of a prison management coach). Now he will be eligible for a year off his sentence for completing drug treatment! He is still working the system!

Someone should check to see if his substance abuse problem is legit! Where is Heraldo when you need him???

[huskerarmy]

"Jefferson Dla will be next...or did you libs forget about "ol cold cash"."

I once stood in a line for Zepplin tickes that was shorter than the one the neo-cons are forming at the prison bus door...

[j-whitman]

Hind sight,, ROTFLOL

[bluestardad]

How is your HINDSIGHT? Mr. Foley wants to help you.

[bildooreilly]

What's with abramoff and the funny hats? It's like some sort of signal to his gangster politician buddies... it's so obvious...

[luvny-2009]

ObservantX - Morgantown is a minimum security facility. Dorm housing, little or no fencing. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a tennis court and a spa

CR@P...I was hoping it would be where he could maybe be Bubba's new girlfriend.

[j-whitman]

b18451,,, Look who's going after the people selling classified materials to the enemy - Senator John Kerry,,, Duncan Hunter knew of the problem since 1999 (I told him & gave him the evidence) DUNCAN HUNTER DID NOTHING

[j-whitman]

b18451,,, Looks like another Bush appointee Bit the bullet - The head of the GSA, Evangelist Lurita Alexis Doan.. Giving No-Bid Contracts to friends.