Abramoff Cited Aid Of Interior Official(Conflict-of -Interest Probe)

[cal04]

Indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff claimed in e-mails sent in 2002 that the deputy secretary of the interior had pledged to block an Indian casino that would compete with one of the lobbyist's tribal clients. Abramoff later told two associates that he was trying to hire the official.

A federal task force investigating Abramoff's activities has conducted interviews and obtained documents from Interior Department officials and Abramoff associates to determine whether conflict-of-interest laws were violated, according to people with knowledge of the probe. It can be a federal crime for government officials to negotiate for a job while being involved in decisions affecting the potential employer.


The two former Abramoff associates, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are under scrutiny in the investigation, said Abramoff told them in late 2003 that he was trying to arrange for his firm, Greenberg Traurig LLP, to hire J. Steven Griles, then deputy interior secretary. Federal investigators are interested in those discussions and in job negotiations Abramoff may have had with a second department official, according to sources.

Abramoff told associates that he believed Griles was "committed" to blocking an effort by the Gun Lake Indian tribe to build a casino near Grand Rapids, Mich., according to the content of e-mail messages reviewed by The Washington Post. Abramoff said the blocking would involve an environmental challenge to the project, a tactic also proposed by Michigan business leaders opposed to the casino. Abramoff fought the project because it would draw business from a casino operated by his clients, the Saginaw Chippewas.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/27/AR2005082701067.html

[MADem]

1. On America's Most Wanted tonight they linked him to a murder

I shit you not...they say the police in FL want to talk to him and a partner about a guy who owned a casino boat that he sold to them, who got shot in a drive by...even showed a quick shot of Tom DeLay!!!

[salin]

2. Wow... just Wow.

wheels seem to be pretty wobbly and loose - not sure how long before they fully fall off.

[UpInArms]

3. some background on that

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050817/LOCAL/50817018/1078/news

Abramoff willing to talk about slaying

MIAMI - Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, accused of federal fraud charges in a casino fleet purchase deal, is willing to submit to an interview with Florida investigators trying to solve the gangland-style murder of the businessman who sold the boats, Abramoff's attorney said Tuesday.

The lawyer, Neal Sonnett, said after a brief scheduling hearing in federal court that Abramoff had expected to meet with Fort Lauderdale homicide detectives shortly after the February 2001 slaying of Konstantinos ''Gus'' Boulis.

<snip>

A few months following the $147.5 million sale of SunCruz, Boulis was shot to death in his car after it was blocked by other vehicles and an assailant pulled alongside in what police say was an apparent hit. The killing occurred after weeks of acrimony stemming from the sale, including a physical altercation between Kidan and Boulis, who also founded the Miami Subs fast-food chain.

...more...

[bandy]

8. I could not believe

it when they debuted DeBug on AMW. Laughed so much almost feel off my chair. Wonder how this will affect his base.

[MADem]

11. I'd guess they watch it, being Law and Order types

It's a small chip in the wall...and every bit helps.

[WhiteTara]

15. yes, that murder was in Florida eom

[raysr]

4. He's gonna

Sing like a bird. I bet ol delay isn't sleeping too good these days!!!!!!!

[wli]

5. now he gets a spot on "America's Most Wanted" n/t

[0007]

9. DeLay made Law & Order program a month or two ago.....

that pissed the bug man off pretty good.

[Algorem]

6. America's Most Wanted Abramoff link-

http://www2.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=34202

Who Wants To Kill A Millionaire?

Gus Boulis was gunned down in February 2001One of south Florida's biggest mysteries is the bizarre case involving multi-millionaire 51-year-old Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis. Depending on who you talk to, Gus was worth anywhere from $50 million to $200 million. His savvy business deals such as his enormously successful Miami sub shop chain and his ritzy SunCruz Casino cruiseline made the Greek immigrant one of the most high profile men in south Florida...

Cops then began to wonder if Gus' cold-blooded murder was related to his riches -- and his businesses. One of Gus' most profitable business ventures was SunCruz Casinos. In 2000, SunCruz Casinos was purchased by a Washington DC investor group headed by businessman Adam Kidan. The sale price -- $147 million. From the beginning there were problems with the deal, and soon, Gus and Kidan were at each other's throats - locked in a bitter battle as they fought over money and control.


Casino Sale Motive For Murder?

Adam Kidan, left, and Jack Abramoff, right, were charged with wire fraudNow, high-profile Washington DC lobbyist, Jack Abramoff and Adam Kidan have been charged with conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly scheming to defraud two lenders in the purchase of SunCruz Casinos. Abramoff - a central figure in investigations involving House Majority Leader Tom DeLay - plans to fight the charges. Abramoff and Kidan face one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wide fraud. Each count carried a maximum punishment of five years in prison. According to prosecutors, the pair deceived lenders by pledging to invest $23 million in SunCruz in return for a $60 million loan. The indictment alleges Abramoff and Kidan offered a fake wire transfer document as proof they had invested the money.

Abramoff is also under investigation over millions of dollars he was paid by an Indian tribe for lobbying efforts. The well-connected Republican lobbyist and political fund-raiser, allegedly received at least $66 million from six Indian tribes to lobby for their casinos and other interests. He has been linked to DeLay, a Texas Republican, who is accused of using funds from Abramoff to fund foreign trips. Lawmakers are prohibited from accepting payment from registered lobbyists, according to House ethics rules...

[annabanana]

7. my my my... good ol' boys, all.... eom

[mountebank]

10. Would be sweet if Griles got nailed.

Environmentalists have been trying to make something stick to that slime-ball for years.....

[Imagevision]

12. Delays close friend Abramoff Cited Aid Of Interior Official

Tom Delay considers Jack Abramoff to be one of his closest and loyal friends.

Indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff claimed in e-mails sent in 2002 that the deputy secretary of the interior had pledged to block an Indian casino that would compete with one of the lobbyist's tribal clients. Abramoff later told two associates that he was trying to hire the official.

A federal task force investigating Abramoff's activities has conducted interviews and obtained documents from Interior Department officials and Abramoff associates to determine whether conflict-of-interest laws were violated, according to people with knowledge of the probe.

It can be a federal crime for government officials to negotiate for a job while being involved in decisions affecting the potential employer.

Abramoff, who is out on $2.25 million bond and is also to be arraigned next week in Miami in the casino fleet case.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20...

[Greeby]

13. Sing Jackie-boy, sing!

:toast: :beer:

[Moderator]

14. I can't get your link to work

Perhaps this?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/27/AR2005082701067.html

Also, technically, this is over 12 hours old ( 16 hours )