Prometheus 6

Quote of note:

Scanlon, 35, is charged with one count of conspiracy. He has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, said sources familiar with the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Such cooperation from a pivotal figure in the Abramoff case is a major advance in the 18-month federal investigation into alleged bribery and corruption involving the lobbyist, members of Congress and executive branch agencies.

Abramoff Associate Charged In Scheme
U.S. Alleges Plot To Bribe Lawmaker

By Susan Schmidt and James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, November 19, 2005; A01

Former public relations executive Michael Scanlon was charged yesterday with conspiring with former lobbyist Jack Abramoff to bribe government officials, including a congressman, and bilk millions of dollars from Indian tribes.

The government officials were not named in a court document filed by federal prosecutors in the District. But the document's description of legislative favors allegedly provided by a person identified as "Representative #1" matches the actions of Rep. Robert W. Ney (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Administration Committee.

Ney, who this month received a grand jury subpoena for testimony and documents, has denied any wrongdoing. His attorney, Mark H. Tuohey, confirmed yesterday that Ney is the congressman referred to in the charging document but said prosecutors have not alleged that Ney had knowledge of any bribery scheme.