Congressman Ney Convicted of Bribery
By Johanna Neuman and Richard B. Schmitt, Times Staff Writers
9:10 AM PDT, October 13, 2006


WASHINGTON -- Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio) was convicted today of bribery charges stemming from the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling investigation -- the first sitting member of Congress to confess to taking bribes in the scandal that has rocked the Republican-controlled Congress.

"I accept responsibility for my actions and I am prepared to face the consequences of what I have done," Ney said in a statement distributed to reporters outside a federal courthouse.

Before Judge Ellen S. Huvelle, Ney pleaded guilty to conspiracy and making false statements. A month ago, in a plea agreement, Ney admitted that he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in illegal gifts and other largesse that included nights of casino gambling in London and a lavish golf junket to Scotland.

In return, Ney acknowledged, he used his legislative clout to do favors for Abramoff and for a Syrian business man nicknamed the "Fat Man."

Sentencing is set for Jan. 19, by which time Ney, who is not seeking re-election, will no longer be serving in Congress. The 52-year-old Ney -- a six-term Republican -- could face a maximum prison term of 10 years, but Huvelle said prosectors were recommending 27 months. She said federal guidelines suggest he should be fined between $5,000 and $60,000.

Ney left the courtroom without speaking to a gaggle of reporters. On reaching a plea agreement last month, he said alcohol abuse had contributed to a downward spiral in his life, and that he had checked himself into a rehab facility for treatment.

Republicans in Ohio's 18th district held a special primary in September, nominating Joy Padgett after Ney announced that he would not seek re-election.

She faces Democrat Zack Space in a district that was once represented by Wayne Hays, the chairman of the House Administration Committee who resigned in 1976 after a much-publicized sex scandal involving his secretary Elizabeth Ray, who admitted, "I can't type. I can't file. I can't even answer the phone."