Admitted Congressman Bribers Head to Prison While Democrat Continues to Legislate

Helluva system, isn't it?
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Jefferson associates to begin serving time

Brett Pfeffer and Vernon Jackson, who have pleaded guilty to bribery-related charges as part of the ongoing federal investigation of Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, are due to begin their prison sentences Thursday. Pfeffer's attorney, Paul Knight , said his client has been told to report to the minimum security federal correctional facility in Loretto, Pa., while Jackson's attorney, Michael Nachmanoff, said Jackson is preparing to travel to the minimum security prison in Cumberland, Md. Jefferson has not been charged and denies wrongdoing. Pfeffer, a former congressional aide to Jefferson, was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Jackson, CEO of iGate Inc., the company that investigators say the congressman tried to help win contracts in Nigeria and Ghana, got a prison term of seven years and one month. Their sentences are expected to be reduced if they continue to cooperate with federal investigators. . . . . . . .

Bruce Alpert can be reached at bruce.alpert@newhouse.com or (202) 383-7861. Bill Walsh can be reached at bill.walsh@newhouse.com or (202) 383-7817.