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Another Abramoff Crony Expected to Plead Guilty
April 23, 2007 6:37 PM
Another government official corrupted by lobbyist Jack Abramoff is expected to plead guilty Tuesday to charges he took bribes, including a golf trip to Scotland and $10,000 in cash, Justice Department officials say.
Mark Zachares, the former secretary of the Department of Labor and Immigration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was named in a criminal information filed in federal court today.
According to the document, Zachares told Abramoff he "really could make things happen" if Abramoff helped get him a job at the Department of Homeland Security.
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The documents says Zachares tried to help Abramoff "adjust his business development strategies to build a homeland security lobbying practice that would eventually benefit Zachares when he ultimately joined Abramoff's firm as a lobbyist."
Zachares got to know Abramoff when Abramoff was working for garment manufacturers who opposed changes in the Marianas' labor laws, which permitted the companies to bring in low-paid women to work making clothing for leading American brands.
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According to the documents, Zachares received from Abramoff "salary enhancements, an overseas trip, meals, drinks, golf and tickets to professional sports events."
Zachares was treated to one of Abramoff's infamous Scotland golf outings in August 2003. Also on the trip, according to prosecutors, was Congressman Tom Feeny, R-Fla., who has not been charged with any crime.
The charging document says Zachares provided Abramoff with information about threat assessments which would help him establish himself as a lobbyist dealing with homeland security issues.
The fact that Zachares plans to enter a guilty plea suggests he will cooperate in the ongoing investigation of Abramoff and his connections to members of Congress.
April 23, 2007 in Abramoff Lobbying Scandal | Permalink | User Comments (3)
Evidently having an office in the Northern Mariana Islands just wasn't enough for this guy.
It's also revealing to see just what standard of people can weasel their way into opportune positions of involvement in our Homeland security. I feel safer already!
And of course, not many politicians from either side of the aisle are being charged with much in all this.
That must be because the lobbyists are evil while the politicians are just misunderstood.
Posted by: Zach | Apr 23, 2007 7:18:55 PM
another corrupt republican... what a shock
Posted by: Mike | Apr 25, 2007 12:04:53 AM
So when are we going to climb the ladder and get the real crooks at the upper levels? Bill Moyers' program on Abramoff showed him operating out of the White House. What is taking so long? I guess firing the US Attorney working on the case may have slowed things down, huh? Maybe if all the politicians weren't so corrupt and involved, maybe someone would start the impeachment process. But I bet between Abramoff & the prostitute scandal, everyone in Congress is dirty in at least one, if not both, scandal. Disgusting. But the masses still vote them back in every election cycle.
Posted by: mick | Apr 28, 2007 9:54:12 PM
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