Ed Buckham In Justice Department's Sights

I wanted to comment on this story in the Houston Chronicle  today on Ed Buckham, a former aide to ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) and a close ally of imprisoned lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Let me first quote from the article, written by Michael Hedges: "But prosecutors could decide within weeks whether to bring charges against former DeLay staff chief Edwin Buckham, according to sources close to the investigation who spoke on the condition that they not be identified. The decision should give a clear signal on whether DeLay remains in legal jeopardy, the sources said."

Buckham is a critical piece of the ongoing federal corruption probe into DeLay, and despite what the former Majority Leader says publicly, he is under active investigation by the FBI and Justice Department. As Hedges points out, if Buckham is indicted or pleas out, then the Justice Department will likely go after DeLay.

The FBI has long been looking into Buckham's own activities, including more than $115,000 in payments he made to Christine DeLay, wife of the former congressman. Buckham and the DeLays claimed the work was appropriate and involving charity work, but Democrats, watchdog groups, and the press have repeatedly raised questions over them.

Biuckham also has ties to Brent Wilkes, a California defense contractor who was allegedly involved in the Duke Cunningham bribery case.

An action by the Justice Department against Buckham would be a huge development, and this issue is worth watching very closely.