Coldwolf
Nov 28, 2005, 09:33 AM
U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a California Republican, resigned on Monday after pleading guilty to taking $2.4 millionin bribes in exchange for help in securing Defense Department contracts.
Cunningham, 63, an eight-term congressman and decorated Vietnam War veteran, had been under federal investigation for his ties to Washington-based defense contractor MZM Inc. since the summer.
"I am resigning from the House of Representatives because I've compromised the trust of my constituents," Cunningham said after the court hearing.
He entered guilty pleas in San Diego federal court on Monday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion. The last charge stemmed from the underreporting of his income in 2004.
Cunningham, who in July had denied any wrongdoing, said he was deeply sorry. "I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office. I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family," he said.
Cunningham had already said he would not seek reelection in 2006. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27 when he could be ordered to spend 10 years in prison and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
He still ends up a millionaire
Full Article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051128/pl_nm/crime_cunningham_dc)
Cunningham, 63, an eight-term congressman and decorated Vietnam War veteran, had been under federal investigation for his ties to Washington-based defense contractor MZM Inc. since the summer.
"I am resigning from the House of Representatives because I've compromised the trust of my constituents," Cunningham said after the court hearing.
He entered guilty pleas in San Diego federal court on Monday to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion. The last charge stemmed from the underreporting of his income in 2004.
Cunningham, who in July had denied any wrongdoing, said he was deeply sorry. "I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office. I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family," he said.
Cunningham had already said he would not seek reelection in 2006. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27 when he could be ordered to spend 10 years in prison and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
He still ends up a millionaire
Full Article (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051128/pl_nm/crime_cunningham_dc)