Alaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens Indicted

PlusAlaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens IndictedAlaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens IndictedThe Associated PressThe nation's longest-serving Republican senator was indicted Tuesday on 7 felony counts of concealing more than $250,000 in house renovations and gifts from a powerful oil contractor that lobbied him for government aid. (July 29)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] The nation's longest serving Republican senator is facing charges that he lied about accepting gifts and favors from a company that lobbied him on oil industry issues. Justice Department officials say employees from VECO (VEE-CO) corporation...a pipeline services company...helped renovate a home belonging to Senator Ted Stevens. Company executives allegedly gave him gifts to furnish the updated place, too.The Alaska senator was indicted by a federal grand jury on Tuesday.(( Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Friedrich, chief of the Justice Department's criminal division: According to the indictment, the total amt of gifts senator Stevens is alleged to have received over the duration of the offense is more than 250K. Also these items weren't disclosed on forms. He didn't repay or reimburse VEE-CO for these items.))Those items included a wrap-around deck...furniture and appliances...and a new Land Rover.Stevens managed to avoid reporters staking out his Washington office after the announcement. His office released a statement from the lawmaker saying: "It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me...I am innocent and intend to prove that." Justice Department officials haven't been able to prove VECO got special treatment from Stevens in exchange for those gifts-- that would have triggered even more serious charges.As it stands, the Alaska lawmaker could face up to 5 years a pieces for each of the 7 felony counts against him.Cases like this one typically result in lighter penalties, but this one could have widespread political implications.Stevens is up for re-election and his party is working to re-claim its majority in the U-S Senate this November.

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