Former House Speaker Cleared In Federal Corruption Probe
By: Colin Clarke
Updated: August 16, 2010
(Washington, DC) -- Former U.S. House Speaker Tom DeLay says he has been cleared in a Justice Department political corruption probe.
The Texas Republican resigned from Congress in 2006 over his ties to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who had dealings with DeLay and his aides.
Abramoff pled guilty in the influence peddling case, struck a plea deal with federal prosecutors and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Two of DeLay's former aides and former Ohio Representative Bob Ney pled guilty to accepting things like trips and concert tickets from Abramoff in exchange for political favors.
DeLay maintains he never did anything improper or unethical on behalf of Abramoff and his clients.
The corruption issue helped Democrats regain control of the House in the 2006 elections.
Charges against DeLay in his home state of Texas for alleged campaign finance violations are still pending.
(Copyright 2010 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
