Looking at the evidence, it appears as though they had a credible reason to search his office. What they didn't have was evidence to search him at the air port with no warrant yet. I don't know what ever happened with that part of the case and I can't find anything on it either. However, the FBI found nothing anyway and dropped the investigation. I think the senator was using the fact that people really do have a reason to be upset about these types of situations while he himself was being searched for a valid reason. He just wanted to be treated differently because he was a senator.
SCANDAL-HIT JEFFERSON WINS LOUISIANA RUNOFF
U.S. Rep. William Jefferson easily defeated his fellow Democratic opponent in a runoff election Saturday, despite an ongoing federal bribery investigation.
Ref. https://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/12/09/lou...e.ap/index.html
Wow...and I thought that stuff like this was only possible in Washington DC (do a search for Marion Barry). Since he has not been convicted of anything as of yet, they are still simply allegations. However, when his offices were searched, this is what they found:
QUOTE |
"found $90,000 of the cash in the freezer, in $10,000 increments wrapped in aluminum foil and stuffed inside frozen-food containers." |
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His presence in Washington could be embarrassing for Democrats, who won control of Congress on a platform of cleaning up corruption. In June, incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, led a successful effort to remove Jefferson from the powerful House Ways and Means Committee as the probe unfolded. |
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Before the bribery scandal erupted, Jefferson had climbed to the pinnacle of the Democratic Party. He was a confidant of former President Bill Clinton and held a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. |
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City Councilman Oliver Thomas said Jefferson's success would make the recovery more difficult. "People are watching this election all around the country, and I can only imagine what they are thinking," Thomas said. "It will be very difficult to go back to them and ask them to trust us with the money we need here." |
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This reminds me of the reelection of the Mayor of DC, he was caught doing drugs so many time, but the vote for him was always at the top. It is a key indicator of what people want, people want someone that is similar to them, and the world we live in is full of druggies and con artistes.
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Get pretty well caught with your arms and legs in the cookie jar, no worries: A STANDING OVATION FOR YOU! Apparently, he must have given out refrigerators for Christmas Gifts this year?
https://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/blogs/politica...ucus-gives.html
I have nothing against the Black Congressional Caucus, but shouldn't they cut their losses with this guy?
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Rep. Jefferson pleads not guilty
Rep. William Jefferson (news, bio, voting record), D-La., pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of racketeering, money-laundering and soliciting more than $400,000 in bribes in connection with years of trying to broker business deals in Africa.
Ref. https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070608/ap_on_...ngressman_probe
The guy has been caught on tape demanding a payment. Money was neatly wrapped in tin foil and put in his freezer in his office...brings a whole new dimension to the words COLD HARD CASH. The best part about this is that Pelosi is trying to determine if the Dems should support this guy. Before a presidential election that it seems at this point a kid running for high school class president could win, please make that wise decision and show the world your moral compass and support this guy.
End of last year he was kicked of the Ways and Means Committee:
https://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/willia...rson/index.html
Strangely enough, with the nice stash found in his fridge, he is probably well suited for this committee.
It does look like there are a few that might enjoy watching the complete fall of Mr Jefferson:
https://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/0...n_has_flow.html
The double edged sword that the democrats seem to be wanting to avoid is that of the Black Caucus, as they have been very unforgiving of him being kicked off that committee.
https://www.wdsu.com/news/13456430/detail.html
If Pelosi and crew hold on an support this guy, that will be a major point for the Republicans next year. If they are smart, this morally challenged individual will be sacrificed to the media and masses. Bottom line...if Tom Delay got the boot, so should this guy. Now with that said, I would not send him away for life, as he is charged with crimes that could get him over 200 years in jail. The max you should get from him is 10yrs and try to recover any of the loose ill gotten gains.
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