Congressman’s office searched in contractor bribery probe

On Saturday at 6:15 p.m., FBI agents searched the offices of Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., in the Rayburn House Office Building in connection with an investigation of an alleged bribery scheme involving a government contractor.

According to an affidavit, the FBI had "probable cause" to believe it would find evidence of bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud. The affidavit stated that an unnamed witness told the FBI in March 2005 about a scheme allegedly involving Jefferson and Vernon L. Jackson, chief executive officer of the Louisville-based technology company iGate Inc.

On May 3, Jackson pleaded guilty to giving Jefferson money and other favors in exchange for help in winning contracts with the Army and business in African nations. At the time, Jefferson denied receiving bribes and said he was surprised and disappointed when he learned of Jackson's guilty plea.

The affidavit, which includes snippets of recorded conversation between Jefferson and the witness, suggests the FBI has amassed a significant amount of information about Jefferson's activities. It said an August 2005 search of Jefferson's home in Washington turned up $90,000 in cash hidden in Jefferson's freezer, in addition to multiple stacks of $10,000 wrapped in aluminum foil and hidden in food containers.

On Sunday, Jefferson's office released a statement that quoted the congressman's lawyer, Robert Trout, saying, "The affidavit itself is just one side of the story, which has not been tested in court. It would not be appropriate to comment on the details in the affidavit at this time."

Trout added that Jefferson has not been charged with any crime and that the release of the affidavit is "part of a public relations agenda and an obvious attempt to embarrass Congressman Jefferson."

At a press conference in the lobby of the Rayburn building Monday afternoon, Jefferson said that there are two sides to every story, and that while he can't discuss the details of the case yet, his side will come out eventually. He called the search of his office "an outrageous intrusion." He also said he still plans to run for re-election.