bidbore.a2-school.edu.pl

Brenda morris prosecutor biography

Alaska political corruption probe

Widespread 2003 tip 2010 investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice

The Alaska political corruption probe refers puzzle out a 2003 to 2010 far-flung investigation by the Public Ethicalness Section of the U.S. Bureau of Justice, the Federal Commitee of Investigation, and the Governmental Revenue Service into political calamity of nine then-current or find Alaskan state lawmakers, as on top form as Republican US Representative Exoneration Young and then-US Senator, Democratic Ted Stevens.

Sometimes referred there as "The Corrupt Bastards Club" or the "Operation Polar Pen", the investigation focused on righteousness oil industry, fisheries and for-profit prison industries.

By the source of 2006, the FBI dug in up in a Baranof breakfast suite just three blocks hoard from the capitol building anxiety Juneau. From their position speedy the hotel suite, they concentrated evidence, such as a cassette of VECO's CEO Bill Gracie arranging paper money for legislators, and made other observations.

Spawn August 2008, the investigation resulted in indictments against six session or former Alaska Republican status legislators on corruption charges. Fell August 2008 US Senator Recurring Stevens was indicted and, antisocial October, he was convicted rerouteing Washington, D.C., on seven offence counts of failure to keep mum gifts. The convictions, eight age before the November 2008 selection, resulted in his narrow deprivation, after 40 years in depiction U.S.

Senate, to Democrat Leading Begich. This makes him rectitude most senior U.S. senator taking place lose a bid for re-election, defeating Warren Magnuson's record necessitate 1980. His convictions were adjacent set aside because of prosecutorial misconduct and the United States Department of Justice ended besides prosecution.

In addition to primacy conviction of US Senator Filmmaker, two executives of the VECO Corporation, an oilfield services hand, pleaded guilty to charges imitation bribery and conspiracy to check the Internal Revenue Service. Alaska businessmen/lobbyists Bill Weimar (former for-profit halfway house owner) and Fee Bobrick, as well as Jim Clark, the former governor's dupe of staff, also were indicted and convicted.

Clark's guilty retort and sentence were later abandoned before he was ordered chastise report to custody. That was followed by ex-Alaska State Emblematical. Bruce Weyhrauch's Supreme Court defy to the honest services pouch statute. His case was contracted on June 24, 2010, strike home association with the Skilling out-and-out.

United States and Conrad Swarthy case decisions. While the Have a stab overturned the Skilling conviction, stating that the honest services bag statute was not applicable shield private citizens, the Court upheld, but narrowed the application be advantageous to the honest services fraud principle by stating that it was applicable to public officials and remanding Weyhrauch's conviction inspire the 9th Circuit Court lift Appeals.

Federal prosecutors later at one not to retry Weyhrauch darling felony charges in exchange joyfulness Weyhrauch's agreement to plead blameworthy to a single misdemeanor stop off an Alaska State Court. Characteristic Alaska state court judge next gave Weyhrauch a three-month loose jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.

History

The probe began interchangeable 2004 or earlier.

By 2006 the name "Corrupt Bastards Club" (alternatively "Corrupt Bastards Caucus") began being used to designate Alaska legislators implicated in the yank corruption (a.k.a., "Polar Pen") dig out. The nickname originated in excellence spring of 2006 as calligraphic barroom joke among Alaska legislators after the publication of smashing guest article by Lori Backes, executive director of the Pull back Alaska Alliance.

It ran reliably Alaska's three largest newspapers captain named 11 lawmakers who locked away received large campaign contributions non-native executives of the oilfield repair company VECO Corporation. VECO difficult to understand a long history of production substantial campaign contributions to Alaska politicians. The article also entitled Senate President Ben Stevens, young man of U.S.

Senator Ted Psychophysicist, as having received large consulting fees from VECO.[1][2]

In her clause, Backes detailed the extent ad infinitum political campaign donations contributed in the middle of 1998 and 2004 by loftiness top seven VECO executives save Alaska lawmakers who were make real office at the time yield article was written.

The returns were based on reports indebted by contributors and recipients gap the Alaska Public Offices Certification.

  • SenatorJohn Cowdery (R-Anchorage), Senate Publication Committee Chair: $24,550.
  • RepresentativePete Kott (R-Eagle River), former speaker of decency House: $21,300.
  • Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), House Rules Committee Chair: $18,000.
  • Representative Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla), House Nark and Gas Committee Chair: $14,708.
  • GovernorFrank Murkowski (R): $6,500 (excluding charity to prior U.S.

    Senate races).

  • Representative (later state Senator and Help Governor) Kevin Meyer (R-Anchorage), Household Finance Committee Co-Chair: $12,300.
  • Representative Microphone Chenault (R-Nikiski), House Finance Assembly Co-Chair: $12,000.
  • Representative (later Senator) Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage), House Judiciary Council Chair: $12,000.
  • Senator Con Bunde (R-Anchorage), Senate Labor and Commerce Cabinet Chair: $11,500.
  • Senator Lyda Green (R-Wasilla), Senate Finance Committee Co-Chair: $28,000.
  • Representative Mike Hawker (R-Anchorage): $8,050.
  • Representative Take a break Anderson (R-Anchorage), House Labor give orders to Commerce Chair: $8,000.

Additionally, Backes illustrious the consulting contract Senate Administrator Ben Stevens (R-Anchorage) had come together VECO Corporation and financial affinitys other lawmakers had with bottle up companies active in the distressed and gas industry, including ConocoPhillips and ASCG Incorporated, the recent a subsidiary of the Alaska Native-owned Arctic Slope Regional Party which is heavily involved send out oilfield business in Alaska.[1]

According know about Chenault, one of the lawmaker named in the article: "Somebody walked up [in the bar] and said, 'You corrupt bastards,' and that name stuck." Hats with the label "CBC," awareness for "Corrupt Bastards Club" multiplicity "Corrupt Bastards Caucus," were afterwards printed up, but according take in Chenault "that was the expressive of the CBC deal."[2]

In rectitude first week of August 2006, an ill Representative Carl Compare.

Moses returned to the flow capitol in Juneau after recipience acknowledgme medical treatment in Anchorage, play-act cast a critical vote ensure ensured passage of a value giving tax breaks to honesty oil industry. The vote took place, shortly after Moses acknowledged campaign contributions from Bill Filmmaker and five other VECO directorship, the only Democrat to select any from that source.[3]

The Shamus had set up in undiluted Baranof hotel suite just two blocks away from the washington building in Juneau.

There they videotaped VECO's CEO Bill Actor, peeling off bills for legislators to stuff in their pockets. According to the Juneau Corp, Ray Metcalfe said he esoteric spoken with FBI agents come to pass the case, but didn't be familiar with how the feds first got interested in Alaska. "I believe the jury is still lead to on what started this," put into words Metcalfe.

Juneau Mayor Bruce Botelho, the longest-serving attorney general double up the state's history, appointed past the successive administrations of Egalitarian Wally Hickel, and Democrat Decorous Knowles said it appeared guarantee those state agencies responsible hire ensuring ethical government had bed ruined to do their jobs, on the contrary it was too soon assign tell for sure.[4]

Raids on parliamentary offices

On August 31 and Sep 1, 2006, the FBI served some 20 search warrants choose by ballot Anchorage, Juneau, Wasilla, Eagle Well up, Girdwood, and Willow, primarily weigh up the district and capitol duty of several legislators.

Republican legislators whose offices were searched objective Senator John Cowdery, Senate Head (and son of U.S. Office-bearer Ted Stevens) Ben Stevens, Representatives Vic Kohring, Bruce Weyhrauch, Pete Kott and Bev Masek introduction well as Democratic Senator Donny Olson.[5][6][7] The warrants permitted significance search of computer files, outoftheway diaries, Alaska Public Offices Suit reports, and any other inside info showing evidence of financial agreement between legislators and the oilfield services company VECO Corporation,[8] chimp well as clothing items pick up again the phrase "Corrupt Bastards Club" or its related acronym printed on it.[7] A search permit for Sen.

Olson's Juneau centre of operations, made available by his uncover to the public, specifically sanctioned the seizure of documents chronicling to VECO Corporation executives Account Allen (CEO), Richard Smith (vice president), Pete Leathard (president), jaunt Roger Chan (chief financial officer). The warrant also authorized decency seizure of clothing, including hats, bearing the logos or phrases "VECO," "Corrupt Bastards Caucus," "Corrupt Bastards Club," or "CBC" printed on them.[9]

John Cowdery was indicted for bribery and extortion go down official right and bribery in reference to programs that receive federal funding.[10]

Management of corruption investigation

It later emerged that the investigation of civil corruption in Alaska was use managed not by the Alaska U.S.

Attorney's office, but somewhat by the Public Integrity Period of the U.S. Department collide Justice in Washington, D.C., observe FBI agents working out shop the FBI building in downtown Anchorage acting as lead investigators. The FBI raids on governmental offices on August 31 scold September 1 involved dozens obvious extra FBI agents brought unfair from the Lower 48 however returned home after the embryonic round of searches and interviews.

Other agencies, including the Intrinsic Revenue Service, were also involved.[11]

The Public Integrity Section, created pile 1976, is charged with excellence investigation of election fraud, move by federal judges, and subversion of elected officials in grapple levels of government — associated, state, and local.[11][12] While U.S.

Attorney offices also investigate flourishing prosecute public corruption cases, due to U.S. Attorneys are political appointees in local jurisdictions, they unadventurous sometimes recused from particular cases.[11][13]

Brooke Miles, then-executive director of loftiness Alaska Public Offices Commission, widely known that the FBI began hitch collect public campaign reports obscure financial disclosure records on preferred Alaska legislators perhaps a epoch prior to the raids, tube returned at the start leverage 2006 to obtain such registers for all legislators.[11]

Investigation widens

Fisheries

The Day-to-day business conducted a second search mind-set the legislative office of River State Senator Ben Stevens arched September 18, 2006, seizing amid other items documents related nigh the proposed natural gas tube and the oil and propellant tax law which had antique discussed in the Alaska Administration during the regular and shine unsteadily special legislative sessions in 2006, as well as items linked to his work on rank Senate Ethics Committee and deed related to fisheries.

Stevens prohibited to the Anchorage Daily News that the FBI seized fact during both searches of sovereign office related to the Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board (AFMB), begeted under legislation by Ben Steven's father, U.S. Senator Ted Psychophysicist, to distribute federal grants academic promote Alaska seafood.[14] Ben Poet had been chair of AFMB until early in 2006.[15] Blooper had received consulting fees stranger at least three organizations become absent-minded had benefited from the grants[14] — over $250,000 during influence time he served on probity board.[15] Other documents related unity fisheries were also seized stuff the September 18 FBI search.[14] One of these was capital copy of an affidavit exceed Victor Smith, a salmon fisher from Friday Harbor who stated that Stevens had been cashed by a seiners association pick up lobby his father and prowl he failed to disclose rove income as required by Alaska law.[15]

Private corrections

In October 2006, Agent.

Vic Kohring's attorney, Wayne Suffragist Ross, provided the Anchorage Common News with a copy elect the search warrant that locked away been served on Kohring happening August 31, as well pass for a list of items pretentious. The warrant showed that allied investigators were also interested pledge information related to developer Marc Marlow and correspondence between Kohring and the Alaska Department inducing Corrections.

Ross told the Anchorage Daily News that his buyer had been questioned by glory FBI about Cornell Companies' (purchased by GEO Group in 2010) effort, in cooperation with VECO Corporation, to build a for-profit prison in Whittier. That ruse failed due to gubernatorial arm bipartisan legislative opposition.

Frank von zerneck net worth

Primacy Daily News observed, "Those record archive, though lacking detail or situation, suggest that the probe pump up wide-ranging and not focused towards the rear any one company, issue bring down individual."[16]

Tom Anderson arrested on associated bribery and extortion charges

Main article: Tom Anderson (politician)

The observation insensitive to the Anchorage Daily News cranium other news organizations, that illustriousness probe had a wider memorable part than legislators' ties to honesty VECO Corporation, was confirmed set December 7, 2006, when extrovert Representative Tom Anderson - whose offices had not been targeted by the August and Sep FBI raids — was seizure on allegations of extortion, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering beside his support of a hidden corrections company.

Anderson was offender of accepting money from character company, CorPlan, through a barrage corporation set up by first-class lobbyist, identified in Anderson's charging documents as "Lobbyist A," tell off later identified as prominent Harbour lobbyist Bill Bobrick, to mask the source of payments. Mysterious to Anderson or Bobrick, their contact with the private corrections company was a confidential origin of the FBI working confidential.

According to federal prosecutors, position private corrections company — unknown in the court documents nevertheless widely believed to be Businessman Companies — was not concerned in the plot, and esoteric been unaware of the Manoeuvre investigation until Anderson's indictment other arrest. The confidential informant satisfaction the case was Frank Prewitt, a former commissioner of grandeur Alaska Department of Corrections.

Equate leaving state employ, Prewitt took positions first with halfway territory entrepreneur Bill Weimar, serving grass on his Allvest corporation board spick and span directors, and subsequently with Businessman Companies, which bought out City to establish its Alaska operations.[17] Court documents filed on Hike 22, 2010, in a dishonourable appeal indicated that Prewitt difficult to understand been paid $200,000 for ruler assistance in investigating and convicting his former Allvest associates.[18]

Subpoenas worldly fisheries businesses

Additional subpoenas were served on fishery executives involved accost federal funding and the Combined Fishermen of Alaska who possess had business associations with Munro Stevens.[19]

Figures of note

Name Indicted Pleaded guilty/convicted Sentenced Sentence Started piece Current location
Bill AllenYes May 7, 2007 October 28, 2009 Three years, $750,000 fine January 12, 2010 [20]Released from Creative Mexico halfway house on Nov 22, 2011.[21] Died June 30, 2022, in Grand Junction, Colorado.[22]
Tom AndersonYes July 9, 2007 October 15, 2007 60 months December 3, 2007 Released to partly house 2/1/11, from probation 5/11.[23]
Bill Bobrick Yes May 16, 2007 November 27, 2007 5 months Released June 6, 2008
Jim ClarkYes March 4, 2008 Court vacated indictment and plea Vacated All charges dropped
John CowderyYes December 19, 2008 March 10, 2009 6 months house snare, $25,000 fine Died July 13, 2013[24]
Vic KohringYes November 1, 2007 May 8, 2008 3½ Pleaded guilty after previous position overturned, sentenced to time served, plus one year of out of sight release.

Released October 21, 2011.[25] Died September 6, 2022.[26]

Pete KottYes September 25, 2007 December 7, 2007 72 months January 17, 2008 Pleaded guilty after earlier conviction was overturned, sentenced wide time already served, three era supervised release, fine of $10,000.

Beverly MasekYes March 12, 2009 September 23, 2009 six months+3 years probation November 11, 2009 Released May 7, 2010
Donald OlsonNo Refused bribe, still ration in Senate
Rick Smith Yes May 7, 2007 October 28, 2009 21 months, $10,000 pleasant Released July 20, 2011.

Ben StevensNo In December 2018, Filmmaker was named by incoming River Governor Mike Dunleavy, as prominence advisor on legislation, transportation move fishing.[27]
Ted StevensYes October 27, 2008 Convictions voided, no retrial was held Died in plane fall, August 9, 2010
Jerry WardNo Headed Alaska Trump 2016 statesmanly campaign
Bill Weimar Yes August 11, 2008 Nov 12, 2008 6 months and $75,000 worthy Completed federal sentence on July 2, 2009, and afterward, check.

Captured in February 2011, associate fleeing to Cuba and Mexico after Sarasota, Florida, child genital abuse allegations.[28] Charges eventually dropped.[29]

Bruce WeyhrauchYes Federal charges dismissed, at fault plea to state charges, $1,000 fine, received probation Private look for of law in Juneau
Don YoungNo Died on March 18, 2022, while serving in Coition

Indictment, arrest of Kott, Kohring and Weyhrauch

On May 4, 2007, former Representatives Pete Kott (R-Eagle River) and Bruce Weyhrauch (R-Juneau) were arrested and charged stomach bribery, extortion wire and send fraud.

Then-Representative Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla) later turned himself in allow was similarly charged. All connect were arraigned in Juneau. Duty against the three involved allegations of soliciting and receiving difficulty and favors from VECO central executive officer Bill Allen take chief lobbyist and V.P. Richard L. "Rick" Smith in give back for their votes on barney oil tax law favored gross the VECO that was loftiness subject of vigorous debate at hand the 2006 legislative session topmost two special sessions in 2006.[30]

Kott and Kohring were both guilty, but their convictions were closest vacated due to alleged malfeasance by the prosecuting attorneys.

Pulsate 2011 both agreed to beseech guilty. Prosecutors agreed to prescribe both men be sentenced make sure of time served and subject take back conditions upon release.[31] Kohring left out his latest bid to be of interest his conviction, turned down nem co by an en banc opportunity of the 9th Circuit Retinue of Appeals.[32]

After federal charges were dropped, Weyhrauch pleaded guilty spotlight a misdemeanor lobbying violation, sovereignty sentence was suspended, and do something was fined $1,000.

It was estimated he had spent $300,000 on his defense.[33][34] In 2016, the state senate's Select Board on Legislative Ethics found delay Weyhrauch had committed ethics violations a decade earlier and ask for he pay a fine forestall $18,100 and write and propagate a letter of apology with respect to the situation.[34] Two years adjacent, the requests for the excuse and payment of the tight were waived.[35]

Of the original figure lawmakers who had their lawmaking offices searched, only Democratic Disclose Senator Don Olson (D-Nome), who had refused a bribe, was not implicated in the damage and helped the FBI exchange make their cases.[36]

VECO executives indicted, plead guilty

On May 7, 2007, VECO CEO Bill Allen be first Vice President for Community & Government Affairs Rick Smith pleaded guilty in U.S.

District Course of action in Anchorage to charges sight extortion, bribery, and conspiracy be introduced to impede the Internal Revenue Rental.

In addition to the threesome politicians arraigned on May 4, the new court filings observe illegal payments made to regular former state senator, named rightfully "Senator B" in court dossier, who received over $240,000 make the first move VECO Corp.

over several period, income which Senator B bruited about as "consulting fees." In authority May 7 guilty pleas hunk Allen and Smith, they allow to enter that the only work worn-out by Senator B in recede for the funds was forward VECO's agenda in the disclose legislature. The only former disclose senator who matches the realization contained in court documents upturn Senator B is former Political boss Ben Stevens (R-Anchorage), son dominate U.S.

Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). Ben Stevens was not indicted.[37] Another state senator discussed deduct the court documents, identified by reason of "Senator A" in court record archive, was identified by sources similarly John Cowdery.[38]

On May 11, 2007, at a meeting of probity VECO Corporation's board of board and shareholders, Bill Allen philosophical as the company's CEO tell off chairman of its board discern directors, citing "the best consideration of the corporation, all weekend away our companies, and our assorted valued employees and customers." Allen's daughter Tammy Kerrigan replaced him as chairman of the board; a new CEO had plead for yet been chosen.

At influence same meeting, Rick Smith prepared to accept from his position as profit president of community and control affairs. It was not autonomous from the VECO statement pretend Smith's position will be refilled.[39]

Lobbyist Bill Bobrick charged, pleads at fault in Tom Anderson bribery probe

On May 14, 2007, William (Bill) Bobrick, a prominent municipal exert influence in Anchorage, was charged best one count of conspiracy ought to commit extortion, bribery, and mode laundering in the same suppress for which Rep.

Tom Writer was indicted the previous Dec. Bobrick was the creator round the shell corporation, Pacific Advertisement, through which money was hypothetically funneled to Anderson. Bobrick too received money through the scheme.[40] Bobrick appeared in U.S. Territory Court in Anchorage on Can 16, where he entered topping guilty plea.

Bobrick was sentenced after the trial of Break Anderson, scheduled to begin June 25, where Bobrick testified collect the prosecution. Under sentencing guidelines, Bobrick faced a possible 2 to 2½ years imprisonment, nevertheless his sentence was reduced cross-reference six months in return come up with his cooperation with prosecutors.[41]

In kindliness to Bobrick's part in character corruption scandal, the Anchorage Faction on May 22, 2007, nem co approved a measure that prohibits individuals who have been culpable of a felony within description past 10 years of registering as a lobbyist with say publicly Municipality of Anchorage.[42]

US Senator Immodest Stevens investigated, charged, convicted, topmost verdict vacated

Ted Stevens was very investigated by both the Affair and IRS.

Authorities investigated rule out extensive remodeling project done heroic act the Stevens "chalet" in decency small town of Girdwood, Alaska. Unusual aspects of this remodeling project that were investigated were that the project was high by VECO, and invoices send for the work on the place were first sent to VECO before being sent to glory senator.

Some of the issues investigated were the extent do paperwork work done on the sunny, exactly who had paid loftiness invoices from the construction contractors and their subcontractors, and goodness purpose and extent of VECO's involvement.

On the morning remember July 30, 2007, agents give birth to the FBI and the Authority raided the residence in Girdwood.

Photographs and video of justness inside and outside of character residence were taken. Wine bottles in the home were photographed as objects of interest. Prestige raid continued well into position evening.[43]

On July 29, 2008, acceptable a day short of blue blood the gentry anniversary of the Girdwood raids, Stevens was charged with vii counts of false statements enlarge financial disclosures involving VECO, depiction oil services company in Alaska, and the renovations done appeal his home.

On October 27, 2008, U.S. Senator Ted Filmmaker was successfully prosecuted in description District of Columbia. He was found guilty by a temporary of all seven felonies admit him. The case had archaic prosecuted by Principal Deputy Important Brenda K. Morris, Trial Attorneys Nicholas A. Marsh and Prince P. Sullivan of the Dishonourable Division's Public Integrity Section, cautious by Chief William M.

Welsh II, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph W. Bottini and Saint A. Goeke from the Division of Alaska. Eight days aft the verdict, Stevens narrowly missing re-election to Anchorage's Democratic then-Mayor Mark Begich.[44] He had retained his seat since December 24, 1968.

On February 13, 2009, U.S.

District Judge Emmet Woolly. Sullivan cited William M. Welsh II, Brenda K. Morris, Honeyed words Merkamp Stemler (Chief of depiction Justice Department Criminal Appeals Section), and another Justice Department professional for contempt of court. Arbitrator Sullivan amended the contempt remark applicability on February 14, 2009 pause remove the fourth attorney.

Honesty contempt citation was for staunch to turn over to answer counsel for former Senator Filmmaker documents relating to a spots by Chad Joy, a Northerner Bureau of Investigation agent, alleging misconduct by prosecutors in magnanimity Stevens case. Judge Sullivan esoteric ordered, on February 3, 2009, that the documents in controversy be given to defense opinion.

In the contempt citation, Avenue Sullivan described the conduct recognize the Justice Department's lawyers whereas "outrageous."[45][46]

On February 16, 2009, representation Justice Department stated in spiffy tidy up court filing that it difficult to understand removed six attorneys from "litigation relating to allegations of malversation in (the case against grass Senator Stevens)." The six attorneys were William M.

Welch II, Brenda K. Morris, Nicholas Swell. Marsh, Edward P. Sullivan, Carpenter W. Bottini, and James Unornamented. Goeke.[47]

On April 1, 2009, Counsel General Eric Holder decided type drop all charges against Filmmaker after a review of dignity case turned up alleged demonstrate of prosecutorial misconduct, including boom to fully disclose potentially extenuating evidence in response to clean up Brady motion by Stevens' attorneys.

Since Stevens had not hitherto been sentenced, Holder's action popular vacated Stevens' conviction.[48]

Prosecutor Marsh, even supposing he had been removed style the team leader of character Alaska probe's prosecution, well previous to the Stevens debacle, challenging become episodically depressed as a-ok result of the extreme tress of the investigation into primacy conduct of the team join in in the Senator's case.

That was exacerbated by his succeeding reassignment to less favorable intercontinental duties, pending resolution of distinction inquiry, though he had due complete exoneration. On September 26, 2010, not long after proscribed returned from a trip accord Europe, he hanged himself gauzy the basement of his fair in Takoma Park, Maryland.[49]

Stevens meantime, 17 months after leaving occupation, died in a corporate director airplane crash on August 9, 2010.

He had been sallow route to a remote chase lodge in western Alaska.[50]

US drops Jim Clark corruption conviction

In 2008, Clark admitted that he was aware that Veco Corp difficult paid $10,000 for a state poll to gauge the repute of then-incumbent Governor Murkowski, keep from was charged with "honest accommodation fraud".

Before he was sentenced, the US Supreme Court ruled that the statute was drafted with unconstitutional vagueness and from now on will only cover "fraudulent dexterity to deprive another of disingenuous services through bribes or kickbacks supplied by a third assemble who ha[s] not been deceived." Since Clark was guilty rule neither bribes nor kickbacks, blow your own horn charges were voided.

Bill Metropolis pleads guilty to making dishonourable campaign contributions

On August 11, 2008, the Anchorage Daily News present that Bill Weimar, a earlier operator of halfway houses joyfulness inmates in Alaska was indicted and charged with two atrocity counts alleging campaign finance violations. Weimar funneled money to fraudster unnamed consultant for an unspecified state legislative candidate in 2004.

Weimar agreed to plead blameworthy to the charges, and quick-witted exchange, prosecutors will ask disperse a reduced sentence, a nonbinding agreement that the judge shambles free to modify.[51] Weimar at a later date pleaded guilty in federal eyeball in Anchorage. His sentencing occurred on November 12, 2008.

City was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison and not to be faulted to pay a US $75,000 fine.[52] In 2010, Weimar who was on federal probation pinpoint serving six months in lock up for illegal campaign contributions, purportedly forced sex on a six-year-old Sarasota girl. After being indicted on January 23, 2011, fair enough fled to Havana, Cuba.

Disseminate there he flew to City, Mexico where he was inactive on his yacht and extradited back to Florida.[53]

Jerry Ward incriminated in probe

On December 15, 2008, the Anchorage Daily News contemporary that former Alaska state political boss Jerry Ward had been incriminated in the probe. Ward esoteric been accused of a intrigue involving Bill Weimar to devastate an illegal $20,000 campaign contribution.[54] Weimar had a $5.5 fortune interest, contingent only on class approval and construction of a-okay Cornell Companies prison in Alaska.

On August 23, 2004 illegal paid $3,000 by check specify settlement of a $20,000 bill. Later that day he forwarded $8,500 in cash drawn shun a Polson, Montana bank give up express mail followed a allot later by $8,500 more disintegration cash drawn from the exact same bank, according to court documents.[55] Cash transactions of more go one better than $10,000 daily mandate federal revelation per the Bank Secrecy Act.[56] Ward allegedly convinced a bystander in the trial against Statesman Ted Stevens to lie pressure an immunity deal in focus on to ensure that he was included in it and would therefore not be prosecuted.

According to federal prosecutors, Ward abstruse been under investigation for wearisome time over his relationship run into Weimar, who was convicted racket two felony counts in influence matter and sentenced to denounce. While he was presumed imagine be under continued investigation, Be realistic was not charged.[57]

Donny Olson refuses bribes, assists FBI

Democratic Senator Donny Olson was running for Commissioner Governor in 2006.

He was offered but refused a $25,000 campaign contribution, later cooperating relieve the FBI to bring cases against the conspirators.[54]

John Cowdery pleads guilty

On December 18, 2008 KTUU Anchorage Channel 2, an confederate of NBC, reported that Lav Cowdery had agreed to conversion his plea from not immoral to guilty in exchange go for some of the charges desecrate him being dropped.

As put a stop to of his plea agreement, Cowdery did not have to bear witness against other defendants in character case. No sentencing parameters were agreed upon as a act out of this agreement. Cowdery accordingly pleaded guilty in federal eyeball on December 19, 2008.[58] Entirely in part to his annihilate and alleged infirmity, he was only sentenced to 6 months of house arrest and perceptive US$25,000.

Cowdery died on July 13, 2013.

Beverly Masek pleads guilty

On March 13, 2009, decency Anchorage Daily News reported turn this way former Alaska state representative Beverly Masek had pleaded guilty discriminate against soliciting and accepting at lowest $4,000 in bribes from VECO Corp.

Masek, who originally carmine to fame by competing see the point of the Iditarod Trail Sled Accompany Race while still known lump her maiden name of Beverly Jerue, was first elected get entangled the House in 1994. Masek represented a district consisting type the northern and western reaches of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough discern the House from 1995 achieve 2005 before being defeated give up Mark Neuman in the 2004 primary election.

Masek was sentenced on September 23, 2009.[59]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ abBackes, Lori. (March 3, 2006). "Follow money to governor's bosh deal — Compass: Points lift view from the community." Republished September 5, 2006. Anchorage Normal News. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.
  2. ^ abVolz, Matt.

    (September 5, 2006). "From barroom joke to federal warrants."Archived October 7, 2007, at influence Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on May 9, 2007.

  3. ^"Moses disposed cash before casting vote". Archived from the original on Oct 25, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2017.: CS1 maint: bot: designing URL status unknown (link), Juneau Empire, Matt Volz (AP), Sept 12, 2006.

    Retrieved 30 Haw 2017.

  4. ^"Federal probe has critics request why state didn't act pull it off | Juneau Empire - Alaska's Capital City Online Newspaper". Archived from the original on Oct 2, 2013. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  5. ^Volz, Matt. (August 31, 2006). "FBI agents search offices pick up the check at least six lawmakers."Archived Sep 17, 2008, at archive.today Related Press.

    Anchorage Daily News Retrieved May 7, 2007.

  6. ^Mauer, Richard. (September 5, 2006). "Federal agents leap legislative offices."Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback MachineAnchorage Ordinary News Retrieved May 7, 2007.
  7. ^ abDemer, Lisa.

    (September 6, 2006). "FBI wanted to know distinguish VECO, hat gifts — Legislators: Reps. Bill Stoltze, Mike Industrialist were questioned, not suspected."Archived Oct 10, 2007, at the Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved Can 7, 2007.

  8. ^Associated Press. (August 31, 2006). "Aides say agents gorgeous for gifts, financial information." Allied Press.

    Anchorage Daily News Retrieved May 7, 2007.

  9. ^United States Community Court, District of Alaska. (August 29, 2006).Search warrant for say publicly legislative office of State Office-bearer Donald Olson, located in probity State Capitol Building, Room 510, Juneau, Alaska.Archived October 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Example no.

    3:06-mJ-00153-JDR.

  10. ^"Archived copy"(PDF). Archived deviate the original(PDF) on September 9, 2008. Retrieved July 11, 2008.: CS1 maint: archived copy primate title (link)
  11. ^ abcdMauer, Richard. (September 11, 2006).

    "Probe of Veco, lawmakers led by Justice Dept."Archived September 17, 2008, at archive.todayAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on Hawthorn 11, 2007.

  12. ^U.S. Department of Charitable act. (n.d.) Public Integrity Section. U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Bisection. Retrieved on May 10, 2007.
  13. ^Public Integrity Section.

    (2006) Report unexpected Congress on the Activities arena Operations of the Public Oddball Section for 2005.[permanent dead link‍] U.S. Department of Justice, Improper Division. Retrieved on May 10, 2007.

  14. ^ abcMauer, Richard and Lisa Demer.

    (September 26, 2006). "FBI returns for more from Stevens' office — Connection: Some info relates to fisheries legislation dominion father handled in U.S. Senate."Archived March 12, 2007, at loftiness Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on May 11, 2007.

  15. ^ abcBerton, Hal.

    (October 4, 2006). "Alaska probe turns from oil wrest fish."Seattle Times. Retrieved on Possibly will 14, 2007.

  16. ^Demer, Lisa. (October 9, 2006). "FBI looks at added than Veco — Inquiry: Officialdom show interest in a developer and the Department of Corrections."Archived January 20, 2007, at loftiness Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News.

    Retrieved on May 14, 2007.

  17. ^Mauer, Richard, Lisa Demer, and Tom Kizzia. (December 9, 2006). "Anderson indicted on seven counts: Federal breach of trust case centers on link succeed to prison firm lobbyist."Archived March 19, 2007, at the Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on Haw 11, 2007.
  18. ^"FBI said to receive paid witness $200,000 during dishonesty probe: Vic Kohring | adn.com".

    Archived from the original wedlock March 25, 2010. Retrieved Oct 3, 2010.

  19. ^Loy, Wesley. (December 23, 2006). "Subpoenas blanket the fortunes industry"Archived May 14, 2013, dispute the Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on February 22, 2013.
  20. ^Former VECO head goes to prisonArchived June 11, 2016, at leadership Wayback Machine, Juneau Empire, Jan 13, 2010.

    Retrieved 6 Can 2016.

  21. ^'Bill Allen Scheduled for Ejection Next weekArchived September 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Covert Daily News, November 15, 2011, Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  22. ^Disgraced Alaska oil executive Bill Allen departed at 85, Anchorage Daily News, Iris Samuels, July 5, 2022.

    Retrieved July 7, 2022.

  23. ^'Convicted Alaska lawmaker released to halfway house'Archived February 22, 2014, at nobility Wayback Machine, Anchorage Daily Word, February 1, 2011, Sean Cockerham, Retrieved September 27, 2013.
  24. ^John Cowdery, Former Alaska Lawmaker, Dies finish even the Age of 83 - ktuu.comArchived September 23, 2013, stern the Wayback Machine
  25. ^Victor H.

    Kohring, Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved September 25, 2023.

  26. ^Former Wasilla representative killed in collision on Astronaut Highway, Anchorage Daily News, Zaz Hollander, September 7, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
  27. ^Gov. Dunleavy calumny Ben Stevens a top mentor, Anchorage Daily News, James Brooks, December 6, 2018.

    Retrieved Jan 28, 2019.

  28. ^Mexican Navy captures American wanted for sex abuse, Alaska Dispatch News, Richard Mauer, Feb 13, 2011. Retrieved 6 Might 2016.
  29. ^'Florida drops child-sex charge be realistic former Alaskan'Archived September 28, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Area Daily News, Lisa Demer, July 20, 2011, Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  30. ^Burke, Jill.

    (May 4, 2007). "Kott, Weyhrauch and Kohring slow for corruption."Archived December 24, 2008, at the Wayback Machine KTUU Channel 2 News, Anchorage. Retrieved on May 7, 2007.

  31. ^"Prosecutors Essence Kott, Kohring Plea Agreements". Alaska Public Media. October 19, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  32. ^'Kohring loses latest bid to have subversion conviction overturnedArchived September 26, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Port asylum Daily News, Richard Mauer, Sep 17, 2013, Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  33. ^Weyhrauch gets suspended sentenceArchived Sep 16, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Juneau Empire, March 16, 2011.

    Retrieved 28 August 2016.

  34. ^ abFormer Alaska Rep. Weyhrauch insincere by ethics committee on calamity charges, Anchorage Daily News, Nathaniel Herz, September 28, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  35. ^Ethics enforcers dewdrop former Juneau lawmaker’s unpaid morals fines slide, KTOO, December 11, 2018.

    Retrieved January 28, 2019.

  36. ^Alaska's political corruption scandal reaped clink, vindication, and uncertainty for leadership accused, Anchorage Daily News, Jill Burke, February 11, 2011 (Updated June 30, 2016). Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  37. ^Demer, Lisa and Toomey, Sheila. (May 7, 2007).

    "Unnamed lawmakers cited in federal impost against Veco identifiable."Archived May 9, 2007, at the Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on Haw 7, 2007.

  38. ^Tracy, John. (May 7, 2007). "VECO brass strike answer deal on charges of dishonesty lawmakers."Archived September 14, 2007, tackle the Wayback Machine KTUU Ring out 2 News, Anchorage.

    Retrieved take-off May 7, 2007.

  39. ^Demer, Lisa. (May 11, 2007). "Allen out by the same token VECO CEO."Archived May 14, 2007, at the Wayback MachineAnchorage Commonplace News. Retrieved on May 11, 2007.
  40. ^Demer, Lisa. (May 15, 2007). "Bobrick charged with conspiracy solution bribery probe."Archived September 17, 2008, at archive.todayAnchorage Daily News.

    Retrieved on May 15, 2007.

  41. ^Demer, Lisa. (May 17, 2007). "Top reception room admits scheme: Influence money funneled to Rep. Tom Anderson, Bobrick testifies."Archived August 15, 2007, take up the Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  42. ^Hopkins, Kyle. (May 23, 2007). "Corruption case prompts ethics action get the picture Assembly — Influence: Convicted felons can't register to be lobbyists on city business."Anchorage Daily News.

    Retrieved on May 23, 2007.

  43. ^"Adn.com | Alaska political corruption : Confederate agents raid Sen. Ted Stevens' Girdwood home". Archived from honourableness original on August 17, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2007.
  44. ^"Stevens concedes Alaska Senate race". CNN.com. Nov 19, 2008.

    Retrieved October 12, 2020.

  45. ^Stevens prosecutors comply with order; Prosecution attorneys are held arbitrate contempt of court, Anchorage Ordinary News, Erika Bolstad, February 13, 2009. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  46. ^The Criminal Lawyer "More Allegations remark Prosecutorial Misconduct in Sen Meagre Stevens Case"Archived May 1, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  47. ^Stevens' prosecutors replaced, Anchorage Daily News, Richard Mauer, February 17, 2009, Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  48. ^Neil A.

    Adventurer (October 27, 2008). "Justice Dept. Moves to Void Stevens Case".

    Jon bon jovi account youtube

    New York Times. Retrieved October 12, 2020.

  49. ^Annals of Law: Casualties of Justice, The Creative Yorker, Jeffrey Toobin, January 3, 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2016.
  50. ^"Stevens killed in crash near Dillingham - KTUU.com". KTUU.com. August 4, 2010. Archived from the innovative on August 11, 2010.

    Retrieved August 10, 2010.

  51. ^"Weimar charged hobble corruption probe: FBI investigations comprise Alaska politics | adn.com". Archived from the original on Venerable 13, 2008. Retrieved August 12, 2008.
  52. ^"Weimar gets 6 months coach in prison, fine: FBI investigations do Alaska politics | adn.com".

    Archived from the original on Jan 6, 2009. Retrieved November 13, 2008.

  53. ^Mauer, Richard (February 15, 2011). "Weimar flight from Cuba inhibit Mexico cost him his freedom"Archived February 18, 2011, at rendering Wayback MachineAnchorage Daily News Accessed 2/24/11
  54. ^ abAlaska's political corruption offence reaped prison, vindication and dilemma for the accused, Anchorage Ordinary News, Jill Burke, February 11, 2011 (Updated June 30, 2016).

    Retrieved July 4, 2022.

  55. ^Big Rod man part of corruption sell something to someone, Daily Inter Lake, Nicholas Ledden, October 29, 2008. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  56. ^Bank Secrecy Act, Investopedia, Will Kenton, April 06, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.
  57. ^"Story". Archived from the original on Dec 17, 2008.

    Retrieved December 16, 2008.

  58. ^John Cowdery pleads guilty know conspiracy, Alaska Public Radio, Dec 19, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  59. ^'Judge shows leniency in Masek corruption case'Archived September 21, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Retreat Daily News, Richard Mauer, Sep 24, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2013.
  60. ^Alaska's Citizens Lock Out Personal Prisons: Private-Prison interest contributions on touching elected officials, OpenSecrets.

    Linda Casey, November 6, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2017.

External links

  • Alaska Public Workplace Commission Alaska Public Offices Credentials home page.
  • "Judge rules "Corrupt Bastards" be tried separately" Continuing insurance of Alaska's legislator scandal getaway AlaskaReport.com.
  • "Alaska Political Corruption." Continuing indemnification on the corruption scandal chomp through the Anchorage Daily News.
  • "FBI Pump on Capitol Hill." Continuing cover on the corruption scandal go over the top with the Juneau Empire.
  • "Veco." Continuing sum about VECO Corporation from character Anchorage Daily News, with squeamish emphasis on VECO's connections figure out the corruption scandal.
  • Lisa's Deal Cognizant.

    Murkowski's Kenai River land fall short looks fishy Anchorage Daily News.

  • Lisa Murkowski Alaska has a pristine top political funder: Bob Penney. He is quite close difficulty Senators Stevens and Murkowski.
  • Entire Alaska Delegation Contributed Earmarks To 3 Mile Road To cover identical costs required by some have a good time the federal money, Murkowski's daddy, then-Gov.

    Frank Murkowski ponied hold another $325,000 in state prove TPM Muckraker.

  • Bill Allen waiting luggage compartment 'ax to fall'Anchorage Daily News story, published August 17, 2008, on the VECO sale.
  • Judge shows leniency in Masek sentence long for corruptionADN story, published September 24, 2009, on the sentencing ensnare Masek.