Rep. Istook's chief of staff being charged

Rep. Ernest Istook's chief of staff is being charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. House of Representatives in a lobbying scandal. 

Monday, June 2nd 2008, 2:24 pm

By: News 9

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- A one-time chief of staff to former Rep. Ernest Istook is being charged with conspiracy to defraud the House of Representatives in a lobbying scandal.

John Albaugh is accused of accepting gifts in return for official favors. The charge is outlined in a criminal information filed in federal court on Friday. Such documents are normally entered as part of a plea deal. A court hearing was set for Monday afternoon.

A former Republican congressman from Oklahoma, Istook accepted $10,000 in campaign contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates. Istook also used the lobbyist's skybox at concerts.