Congressman Jefferson Convicted of Bribery, Racketeering, and Money Laundering

Former Louisiana Democrat representative, William J. Jefferson, was convicted yesterday on bribery, racketeering, money laundering, and other related crimes. (full story from the FBI here) He was found to have taken bribes from individuals and businesses to advance their interests. Some of his schemes were international, with elements in Nigeria, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, and the Republic of Congo. He is the same individual who was caught with $90,000 hidden in his freezer. He faces a maximum sentence of 150 years along with possible forfeiture of stock certificates and nearly half of a million dollars in cash.