Lobbyist Jack Abramoff
Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, an almost larger-than-life figure in Washington, D.C. circles, is at the center of a Justice Department investigation into possible corruption by members of Congress and their aides.

On Jan. 3, 2006, Abramoff pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion related to defrauding four Native American tribes out of millions of dollars, and agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. He admitted to providing numerous gifts, including campaign contributions, free meals and a golf trip to Scotland, to a congressman identified in press reports as Ohio Republican Bob Ney.

According to Assistant Attorney General Alice Fisher, "Abramoff had a congressman insert statements in the Congressional Record, had a congressman endorse a wireless telephone contract for the House of Representatives, had a congressman agree to seek passage of legislation to help Abramoff's clients. Government officials and government action are not for sale."

Abramoff's plea agreement spared him a maximum jail term of 30 years. Instead he faces up to 11 years in prison and must pay $26.7 million in restitution, Fisher said.

"Words can never express my sorrow and profound regret," he told U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle, quoted CNN. "Nor can they express my sadness and regret for my conduct. ... I ask for forgiveness and redemption from (the) Almighty."

Abramoff was born in Atlantic City, N.J. on Feb. 28, 1958. He graduated from Brandeis University in 1981 and the Georgetown University Law Center. He chaired the College Republican National Committee from 1981-85. He also was involved in anti-communist efforts as a member of Citizens for America.

Abramoff had a stint as a movie producer in Hollywood, and was president of Regency Entertainment Group from 1986-94.

He became a lobbyist for Greenberg Traurig in 2001 and remained there until 2004.

Abramoff was closely associated with the K Street Project, initiated by his reported friend and former House majority leader, Tom DeLay, R-Texas. The program was designed to push corporations and trade associations to hire more Republican lobbyists.