WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Congressman William Jefferson Indicted on 16 Counts
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It's a stunning description of fraud, money-laundering, theft and even a bribe offer in a congressional dining room. We're referring to the long-awaited formal indictment Monday afternoon against Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson. It's an indictment of such magnitude that it makes the infamous stories of money stuffed in Congressman Jefferson's freezer seem minor by comparison. Congressman William Jefferson's problems began more than two years ago when FBI agents raided his Washington home and seized $90,000 in cash from his freezer. Monday, Jefferson was indicted on racketeering charges and becomes the first sitting congressman charged under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act regarding business deals he allegedly brokered in Nigeria.
Mayor Ray Nagin says, "Well, you know, it's disappointing and I wish he and the family the best. Uh, it's something that the legal system just has to take its course." The indictment handed down in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia is 94 pages long. It lists 16 alleged violations of federal law that could keep Jefferson in prison for up to 235 years. Senator Diana Bajoie says, "Certainly, I'm gonna support his family. And the congressman and I are very dear friends of mine. He'll be in my prayers and hopefully will give the justice system a chance to work and it will work."
Jefferson's daughter, Jalila Jefferson-Bullock was in her state House of Representatives chair on the day the indictment was handed down. She refused any requests for media interviews, at times putting her hand up when the cameras were focused on her. Meanwhile, statewide, elected officials say this indeed puts another black eye on the state's image. Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu says, "One of the things that I try to do is go around telling about the good things that are happening to get the positive news, but anytime something like this happens, it eclipses it. That makes it a little bit more difficult."
Jefferson's attorney, Robert Trout says he plans to fight the indictment. He says there are two sides to every story. We sent Jalila Jefferson-Bullock a note from a legislative page requesting an interview. She glanced at the request and promptly threw it in the trash can.
Reporter: Jim Shannon, WAFB 9NEWS
