William Jefferson's Sister Cops Guilty Plea

By John Bresnahan

(The Politico)  AP is reporting (hat tip to talkingpointsmemo.com) that Brenda Jefferson, sister of indicted Democratic Rep. William Jefferson (La.), has pleaded guilty to concealing a criminal act.

From the AP: "The sister of a Louisiana congressman has pleaded guilty to helping conceal a crime.

Brenda Jefferson pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony Wednesday. Prosecutors say she received about $90,000 for clerical work for three family members accused of defrauding a federal government program.

She is a sister of Rep. William Jefferson, a nine-term Louisiana Democrat, who was indicted last year on unrelated bribery charges. He has denied wrongdoing and is awaiting a trial.

Brenda Jefferson worked for family members accused of pocketing more than $600,000 in state and federal grant money intended for charitable and educational projects.

The 52-year-old woman faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine."

Jefferson was indicted last year on 16 federal corruption charges, including bribery, but his trial has yet to begin as Jefferson's attorney challenge the indictment in federal court.

Mose Jefferson, the congressman's brother, has also been indicted in two different corruption cases. Betty Jefferson, another sister, and Jefferson's neice, Angela Coleman, have also been charged with crimes.

The New Orleans Times Picayune also has a write of the case.