Kott guilty on three of four counts

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Former Alaska lawmaker Pete Kott, accused of trading his legislative influence for bribes, was convicted Tuesday of corruption charges.

The two-week trial carried wider implications, including testimony from VECO chief Bill Allen that he doled out more than $400,000 in bribes to various officials and had company workers remodel the home of Sen. Ted Stevens.

Kott's party affiliation is NEVER mentioned in any article.

AP - Mon Sep 24, 6:35 PM ET Former Alaska state lawmaker Pete Kott, right, his , daughter, Pam Kott, and Debora Stovern, left, walk from the federal court building in Anchorage, Alaska, Monday, Sept. 24, 2007, after closing arguments in Pete's corruption trial. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Jury Finds Kott Guilty of Extortion and Bribery

A former Alaska lawmaker has been convicted of corruption charges. Pete Kott, who represented Eagle River on Anchorage's north side for 14 years, was convicted Tuesday of conspiracy to solicit financial benefits, extortion and bribery. The jury acquitted Kott of wire fraud.

Kott was charged with accepting nearly $9,000, a political poll and the promise of a job from VECO Corporation. That's the Alaska oil field services company stood to make millions if the Alaska Legislature approved a revised crude oil tax that encouraged investment. The tax was seen as gateway legislation needed before major petroleum companies would commit to participating in construction of a natural gas pipeline. The pipeline, if built, would tap Alaska's vast North Slope reserves and carry the gas to the Midwest.

Story Updated: Sep 25, 2007 at 11:34 PM AKDT

http://www.aksuperstation.com/news/local/10014881.html

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.