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Aide: Congressman sought bribes

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A Democratic congressman from Louisiana demanded bribes in exchange for his help in promoting a pair of business deals in Africa, according to court documents filed Wednesday with a guilty plea by one of the congressman's former staffers.

Brett Pfeffer, 37, a former legislative director to Rep. William Jefferson, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bribery of a public official and conspiracy. He could get 20 years in prison when sentenced March 31.

A spokeswoman for Jefferson declined to comment.

Specifically, Pfeffer said in federal court that a congressman demanded bribes in exchange for his assistance in brokering two African telecom deals.

Court documents did not identify the congressman by name, referring to him only as "Representative A." But the documents make clear that Jefferson is the congressman.

According to the documents, Pfeffer was employed as a legislative assistant by the congressman from 1995 to '97.

Pfeffer agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and testify if needed.

The conspiracy took place in 2004 and 2005, after Pfeffer had left Jefferson's office, according to authorities.

Pfeffer said in court that a congressman had solicited his assistance in promoting business opportunities in Nigeria and Ghana. The congressmen demanded 5 percent to 7 percent of the newly formed African companies in exchange for his help promoting the deal to African government officials and others, Pfeffer said.

Prosecutor Mark Lytle said the congressman and Pfeffer traveled to Ghana in July to promote a similar deal there.

Pfeffer's attorney, Paul Knight, declined to comment.

Court records give no indication how much money Jefferson stood to receive. That amount will be determined later as part of Pfeffer's sentencing.

Jefferson was elected to the House in 1990, becoming the first black congressman from Louisiana since Reconstruction.

He was criticized after Hurricane Katrina for receiving a National Guard escort to check on his flooded home at a time when federal resources were sorely strained.

[Last modified January 12, 2006, 01:26:11]