Former Alaska state rep., Tom Anderson, gets five years.

http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/anderson/story/9381743p-9295100c.html

Anderson sentenced to 5 years in prison

By DAN JOLING
The Associated Press

Published: October 15, 2007
Last Modified: October 15, 2007 at 01:25 PM

Former Alaska state Rep. Tom Anderson was sentenced Monday to five years in prison following his conviction on federal corruption charges. Anderson, a two-term Republican from Anchorage who chose not to run for re-election in 2006, was convicted July 9 of seven federal counts of conspiracy and bribery.

Anderson was convicted of taking $12,828 he thought was coming from a private prison firm, Cornell Industries Inc. The money was supplied by the FBI through an informant under contract to Cornell who secretly recorded his conversations with Anderson. Cornell Industries was not aware of the investigation.

Anderson didn't comment after the sentence was announced, and he spent much time hugging family members and friends who lined the gallery.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Bottini said the evidence showed Anderson did more than succumb to temptation to take money. Anderson solicited the bribe, betrayed his public trust and actively took part in concealing the money, Bottini said.

"The public's faith in the integrity of our legislative system is eroded," Bottini said.

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He was the first of four former Alaska lawmakers arrested on federal corruption charges. Former House Speaker Pete Kott, R-Eagle River, was convicted last month of conspiracy to solicit financial benefits, extortion and bribery last month.

Former Rep. Vic Kohring, R-Wasilla, is scheduled to go on trial on corruption charges next week.

The corruption trial of former state Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch, R-Juneau, has been delayed. Federal prosecutors are appealing a decision on the case that said they could not claim that Weyhrauch was required to disclose to fellow legislators or the public that he was seeking employment from Veco Corp.

going down either. :thumbsup:

:) I've heard that there are at least 13 more potential federal indictments being worked on.

but who knows? THis is something isn't it? I can now make it through the darkest part of winter just because of this. I actually re-upped the anchorage daily news to get this. (adn.com for those who want to bookmark this and get the straight scoop as it happens. the daily news updates their website in real time.)

way.