WASHINGTON — A former congressional aide pleaded guilty Tuesday to accepting tens of thousands of dollars in gifts from lobbyist Jack Abramoff in an influence-peddling scandal that has touched the White House, the Interior Department and congressional Republicans.
Mark Zachares was the 11th person to be convicted in the Justice Department probe.
Zachares admitted engaging in official acts on Abramoff's behalf while working for Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, who chaired the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Abramoff assisted Zachares in obtaining his committee post. Zachares left Young's staff in 2005. Young's office declined to comment Tuesday.
He pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy. When he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle, he faces a maximum of five years in prison, but under federal sentencing guidelines will probably receive two years or less.
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After the court appearance, defense attorney Edward MacMahon declined to say whether Young was aware of what Zachares was doing on behalf of Abramoff.
Zachares agreed to cooperate with the government's continuing investigation. Outside the courthouse MacMahon reinforced that point to reporters.
