Financial Transparency Coalition

Washington Times: One of the key corruption charges against former Rep. William J. Jefferson may turn largely on the actual reason that nearly $100,000 ended up in his freezer.

ALEXANDRIA, VA. - Federal Judge T.S. Ellis III summoned prosecution and defense lawyers for a hearing late this afternoon that likely will include discussion, and possibly rulings, on defense motions to drop 15 of the 16 corruption charges against former Rep. William Jefferson and the question on how he should instruct the jury that will decide his fate.

ALEXANDRIA, VA. -- Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson is the first and only U.S. public official to be charged under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act since it was enacted in 1977.