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Paper: Conservative Think Tanker Is Investigation Target
And another one of Gale Norton's former colleagues falls. This time, it's Italia Federici, the founder of a conservative environmental group that served as Jack Abramoff's gateway to the Interior Department.
Legal Times reports that Federici received a target letter from investigators in January. Target letters are frequently a warning of an indictment.
Federici's ex-boyfriend, Steven Griles, formerly the #2 at the Interior Department, also received a target letter in January. And he pled guilty last month to lying to Congressional investigators about his relationship with Federici and Abramoff.
Federici ran a nonprofit called the Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy (CREA), a conservative think tank, which she founded with Gale Norton, who became Bush's Secretary of the Interior. As a result, Federici was well connected in the Interior Department. So she and Abramoff had a deal. Abramoff's clients pumped $500,000 into her organization; in return, she ensured that people inside the department knew about his tribal clients' needs.
As Legal Times reports, investigators are considering pursuing Federici on a number of charges:
According to the Jan. 19 target letter filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, investigators are looking at whether Federici violated five statutes in connection with running the group: conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax evasion, impeding the Internal Revenue Service, and obstructing proceedings and making false statements before the Senate. The letter makes no mention of Abramoff or Griles.Federal officials also informed Federici that they believe she “may have assisted others in depriving the American Public of honest services of at least one administration official,” the letter states.
The letter advised Federici to seek an attorney and asked if she would be willing to plead guilty and cooperate with investigators. Whether she is currently cooperating or played a role in Griles’ plea is unknown.
It appears to have been a long, hard fall from Federici, who was once wined and dined by Abramoff. According to the Legal Times, Federici has applied for representation by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Comments (38)
Via wrote on April 3, 2007 9:54 AM:The Bush administration is remarkable in its ability to suck up the dregs of humankind. It is a perfect storm of political and personal perfidy. It is a low pressure system of catastrophic proportion.
(My security code word below was "shame". How appropriate.)
liam wrote on April 3, 2007 10:06 AM:She was such a C*&% when she testified. Glad to see uppance has come....
Arkansan wrote on April 3, 2007 10:08 AM:Who is the USA supervising this investigation? It would be interesting to learn whether s/he was booted, or on the alternate list.
MB Williams wrote on April 3, 2007 10:09 AM:Don't underestimate Federici - she was way more than just "Griles' girlfriend" - just how do you think he got that job anyway?
Books Alive wrote on April 3, 2007 10:28 AM:Posted by: Arkansan
Date: April 3, 2007 10:08 AM
The DC US Atty is Jeffrey A Taylor, appointed as interim, with no Senate confirmation, in November, 2006. He recently made a $100 million dollar error in a tax evasion case that couldn't order restitution b/c of citing the wrong statute number. Taylor's cv includes working with Hatch on the original Patriot Act. See this link:
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/215
In reading the Legal Times story, the charge has been brought by the Tax Division of the DoJ. The letter identifying her as a target came from them.
ken melvin wrote on April 3, 2007 10:37 AM:What ever on the Norquist/Reed connections?
ahem wrote on April 3, 2007 10:47 AM:Couldn't happen to a more deserving piece of work. Well, it could, but there's some deep satisfaction after Federici's Indian Affairs testimony.
In other news, Gale Norton remains unindicted. And as MBW implies, Native Americans are still getting screwed by the GOP.
Arkansan wrote on April 3, 2007 10:51 AM:Books-
Thanks. It doesn't end.
Books Alive wrote on April 3, 2007 10:59 AM:Arkansan-
There better be more oversight on Taylor from now on!
Over the Edge wrote on April 3, 2007 11:04 AM:As noted above, Stephanie Jones of the DOJ Tax Division signed the Federici target letter. Jones has been involved in the investigation going back at least to the press conference where Abramoff's plea was announced, if I'm remembering correctly.
I'd like to think the Tax Division would also one of the DOJ sections involved in an investigation of Buckham, as there appears to have been abuse of a nonprofit he was involved in.
A February 26, 2007 article from Legal Times covers the turnover in the fraud and public integrity sections at DOJ and is a good reference point regarding DOJ sections and personnel involved in the Abramoff related investigations.
http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/PubArticleDC.jsp?id=1172052183120
Griles and Federici are mentioned in the article, as is former Ney staffer William Heaton. Heaton's guity plea was entered on February 26, 2007.
It listed Acting Chief, Public Integrity Section Edward C. Nucci; Acting Chief, Fraud Section Steven A. Tyrrell; Trial Attorneys, Criminal Divison Mary K. Butler, James A. Crowell, IV, and M. Kendall Day. It was signed by Crowell.
Barbara wrote on April 3, 2007 11:06 AM:Is there any prospect of undoing the US attorney appointments that were made without Congressional confirmation? I may have missed it but seems like a no brainer.
Tom Minnehan wrote on April 3, 2007 11:18 AM:My code word is pain-the putrid smell continues. I think it is time to put our esteemed Sec of Interior on the list to be summoned before Congress to tell her side of the "story of what the hell is going on in her Dept.
Over the Edge wrote on April 3, 2007 11:28 AM:Norton resigned as Interior Secretary last spring.
I'm no saying she shouldn't be scrutinized, though.
It is an interesting question as to whether Federici is cooperating or not. My first guess would be "not" considering how hostile her Senate testimony was, but since she's using a Federal Public Defender, I have to wonder why her better heeled friends such as Norton and Norquist aren't funding a legal defense for her.
Mooser wrote on April 3, 2007 11:34 AM:Jeez, I thought Italia Federici manufactured a line of hop-up parts for Ducati motorcycles. Oh well, live and learn.
melior wrote on April 3, 2007 11:46 AM:Anyway, she aimed to "please"
"conservative environmental group"?
Does not parse.
security code: profit
pre-amerikkkan wrote on April 3, 2007 12:20 PM:we are troglodytes according to them, still, after all these years, not human. i'm not seeing shrubbies as having so much will to power as having no soul and little character. we troglodytes are used to that behavior from treaty-breaker newcomers, but still we say "welcome".
why consider that we have primacy here, no matter what gov't's may come or go.
if there needs to be an organized politics, seems there has to be--a Mother Party (made up of Trogs and "real" humans.) has to overcome the fear and ignorance of this "new" world so that someday we can live in peace.
damn troglodytes.
Never forget, we both signed treaties and we allowed you to stay on our land, not the other way around. you are the invaders, the true illegals, not the mexicano's.
peace and love, brother human
pre-amerikkan and not too proud, ayy!
pre-amerikkkan wrote on April 3, 2007 12:26 PM:i'm not seeing shrubbies as having so much will to power as having no soul and little character. we are troglodytes according to them--still--after all these years, not human and easy to rape and pillage. we troglodytes are used to that behavior from treaty-breaker "new-worlders" but still we say "welcome".
why consider that we have primacy here, no matter what gov't's may come or go and we will still be here long after you're gone. (sorry, stolen from blood diamond, insert reference here, thanks.)
if there needs to be an organized politics, seems there has to be--a Mother Party (made up of Trogs and "real" humans.) has to overcome the fear and ignorance of this "new" world so that someday we can live in peace.
damn troglodytes.
Never forget, we both signed treaties and we allowed you to stay on our land, not the other way around. Never Forget, since your side of the treaty is yet to be upheld, you are the invaders, the True Illegals, not the Mexican's you so love to hate.
peace and love, brother human
pre-amerikkan and not too proud, ayy!
TruthSeeker wrote on April 3, 2007 12:35 PM:Federici has applied for representation by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
She's toast...
Anonymous wrote on April 3, 2007 2:10 PM:Sorry, but I have ZERO sympathy for this lying bitch. The disinformation these assholes have spread concerning the environment- they deserve what they have coming to them and then some.
Rebel wrote on April 3, 2007 4:05 PM:Security Code: crush
As in "Crush all these lying pieces of shit."
Remember when Italia didn't show up to testify at a senate hearing? I wonder if Monica Goodling is thinking about that...
Dr. Wu wrote on April 3, 2007 5:17 PM:Good Grief--what took them so long? A Grand Jury would have indicted her solely on the basis of her laughable testimony to the Senate Indian Affairs committee last year, which was so obviously and patently false that even John McCain called bullshit on it.
NickOdemus wrote on April 3, 2007 7:07 PM:The rats are taking the high speed lanes off the ship... Richard Cohen has had one synapse fire off in the right sequence: read his piece on Gonzo as death penalty freak. Wow, when Cohen hangs you out, you know you are tostado!
me wrote on April 3, 2007 7:24 PM:Coming up: A blanket pardon for all Republicans for any crimes they may or may not have committed since 2000. A blanket pardon will be upheld 5-4 by Bush's Supreme Court, but will be reversed some years later.
ohiomeister wrote on April 3, 2007 7:56 PM:The Federal Defenders are usually actually pretty good, unlike state public defenders.
Calling her group an "environmental" group or a "think tank" is unfair to legitimate groups.
She ran a conservative, pro-corporation, anti-environment, anti-regulatory astroturf disinformation outfit. Let's describe things as they are, not as they purport to be.
push - push this information out there
Richard Henry wrote on April 3, 2007 8:45 PM:I just had to post, my security code is: smell, as in we can smell that shit all the way up here in Canada! I read as much as I can about Repugnican malfeasance to prtepare myself for what's going to happen up here if Harpers Conservatives ever win a majority, these guys are already adopting Repug talking points, they are accusing the Liberal Party of being nothing but a bunch of flip floppers and Harper has come up with his own version of the Shrubs smirk! Never forget: no matter where you go, there you are! Rickanuck
Jeff Barea wrote on April 3, 2007 10:14 PM:I've said it before and I'll say it again...
The "neocons" have always been nothing more than opportunist politicians that grabbed at whatever mantle was most popular in order to promote their agenda. It should be clear by now that they aren't even remotely conservative so please stop acting like conservatives are to blame.
In fact, I published an article from my good friend Mel Bradford in 1992 that explained the difference between historic conservatism and the pretenders (psuedo-religious/neocon/etc.).
Make no mistake, though, these kinds of greedy people exist in all parties, philosophies, and ideologies. I worked with my fellow conservatives to tank Bush I's re-election and rejected requests to work with Governor Bush's first election for governor.
Why?
Because I refused to endorse the kind of big government, freedom challenged world they supported. Of course, I'm now poor and unknown while they get to write books and collect big advances. What is one's soul worth anyway?
steambomb wrote on April 3, 2007 10:32 PM:~~~~It should be clear by now that they aren't even remotely conservative so please stop acting like conservatives are to blame.~~~
Excuse me? Conservatives are to blame. Republican conservatives are. They let these neocons, coupled with the religious right at the hip, hijack their party and this is what we got. So dont sit there and act holier than thou. A bunch of conservative republicans were sitting around licking their chops before they realized that the jig is up and cards are starting to fall. Now its time for you people to take responsibility for your actions, oh party of personal responsibility. It's time for you and other conservative republicans to take your party back. You can start by impeaching the bastards that Hijacked it.
tekel wrote on April 4, 2007 12:08 AM:OverTheEdge: since she's using a Federal Public Defender, I have to wonder why her better heeled friends such as Norton and Norquist aren't funding a legal defense for her.
Theory 1: she doesn't need a whiteshoe lawyer, becuase she knows DOJ won't follow up on the charges.
Theory 2: Norquist spent all his money on Newt's Presidential campaign!
thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week.
Dr. Wu wrote on April 4, 2007 12:27 AM:I'd like nothing more than to see this lying whore rotting away in federal prison, but I must concede that I'd be willing to accept leniency for her if it meant we could take down Norton and get some bribery convictions against energy lobbyists and sitting Republican members of Congress.
Security code "doubt," as in, I doubt her former friends in the neocon mafia are losing sleep over the thought of Italia in an orange jumpsuit.
Victor wrote on April 4, 2007 12:40 AM:"Federici has applied for representation by the Office of the Federal Public Defender."
Crush the bitch. Her testimony at the Senate Indian Affairs was a joke. I can't wait to see her swinging from the political gallows.
john dulles wrote on April 4, 2007 12:42 AM:Don't worry dear little Italia,
Mr. Hillman will make the mean questions all go away. Just like he did for Sandy Berger and Jack Abramov. What a great guy! I'm sure Fitz agrees, no?
john dulles wrote on April 4, 2007 12:44 AM:Don't worry dear little Italia,
Mr. Hillman will make the mean questions all go away. Just like he did for Sandy Berger and Jack Abramov. What a great guy! I'm sure Fitz agrees, no?
Of course, justice demands you be publicly flogged for being named "Italia."
MB Williams wrote on April 4, 2007 1:04 AM:Federici is not a "neo-con" - she's a Wise-User, and if we lib/progressives can't understand the difference, we're going down in defeat. Is there cross-over? Sure, but you're much more likely to find a Western libertarian Wise-Use wingnut who considers the US government a far greater threat than "terrorists" in Iraq than vice-versa.
Jeff Barea wrote on April 4, 2007 1:13 AM:Steambomb,
Whilst sitting here acting all holier than thou, mainly because I am, notice one thing left out of my original comment...
Need help?
I'll give you a hint. George Washington warned about them. I've railed against them in my articles.
One last hint. Screw that. I'll say it straight out. You think it's about republicans versus democrats. I, instead, agree with the original G (as in Washington) allegiance to a political party rather than to each other is the problem.
Thank you for demonstrating why that is a problem.
Not being a republican or a democrat or an independent (add greens, etc.) but an American allows me to be holier than anyone that acts like a political party is more important than the will of the people.
Cut to me with a halo.
sybelia wrote on April 4, 2007 4:03 AM:Yes, this is related to Abramoff, the AG/USA stuff and the Indian Trust Fraud. Rayne-Today has been working on it, she had figured out that most of the attys were in states with large Indian populations.
...more on Sampson from Wampum with relation to oil and gas rights on tribal lands (involves Domenichi and Hatch):
http://wampum.wabanaki.net/vault/2007/03/003518.html
http://www.firedoglake.com/2007/03/23/abramoff-bodies-being-rapidly-buried/#comment-580413
ties grimes, sampson, hatch and domenichi... scary stuff...Who are the prosecutors? "loyal bushies"?
Prosecutors dropped earlier allegations that Griles did anything improper to help Abramoff or gained anything of value from the former Republican lobbyist, the AP was told. The agreement does not require Griles to help investigators with their grand jury probe.
In exchange for the plea, federal prosecutors will seek no more than a 10-month prison sentence for Griles - the minimum they could seek under sentencing guidelines - but they will agree to let him serve half that in home confinement, according to one person involved in the case.
jacqueline grant wrote on April 5, 2007 2:35 PM:I watched these hearings with her a while ago.
She was being questioned by none other then John McCain . You could see and hear by her testimony that she was lying though her teeth . That was at least 18 months ago.
So if the Democrats had'nt gotten power last November . McCain would have let the whole Interior Dept. get away with lying, stealing , cheating , the American people .
OH yea and raping the land.!!!
jacqueline grant wrote on April 5, 2007 2:35 PM:Way to go republicans !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched these hearings with her a while ago.
She was being questioned by none other then John McCain . You could see and hear by her testimony that she was lying though her teeth . That was at least 18 months ago.
So if the Democrats had'nt gotten power last November . McCain would have let the whole Interior Dept. get away with lying, stealing , cheating , the American people .
OH yea and raping the land.!!!
TJW wrote on May 18, 2007 7:59 PM:Way to go republicans !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She should be jailed along with Gonzalez, Federici, Rove, Abramoff, Cheney, Condi, and the big monkey himself, the latter for war crimes and crimes against humanity.