Top Aide to Ney Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy
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WASHINGTON — The top aide to a convicted former House lawmaker, Bob Ney, pleaded guilty yesterday to federal conspiracy charges stemming from a congressional bribery scandal that downed his boss.
Smiling nervously at times, William Heaton, 28, acknowledged accepting a golf trip to Scotland, expensive meals, and tickets to sporting events between 2002 and 2004 as payoffs for helping clients of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Heaton worked for Ney, a Republican of Ohio, between September 2001 and July 2006, ultimately serving as his chief of staff.
“You received things of value in exchange for performing functions for Mr. Abramoff and other lobbyists who worked for him, as well as a foreign businessman. Is that correct?” U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle asked Heaton during the 20-minute hearing.
“Yes, your honor,” Heaton replied in a firm voice. He pleaded guilty to one count of federal conspiracy.
He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines, but he probably would serve between 18 and 24 months as outlined under federal sentencing guidelines. No date was set for sentencing.
