Rep. Istook's chief of staff being charged

Associated Press


WASHINGTON  -- A one-time chief of staff to former Rep. Ernest Istook is being charged with conspiracy to defraud the House of Representatives in a lobbying scandal. 

John Albaugh is accused of accepting gifts in return for official favors. The charge is outlined in a criminal information filed in federal court on Friday. Such documents are normally entered as part of a plea deal. A court hearing was set for Monday afternoon. 

A former Republican congressman from Oklahoma, Istook accepted $10,000 in campaign contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his associates. Istook also used the lobbyist's skybox at concerts.