July 29, 2008

Contact: Naomi Seligman 202.408.5565

29 Jul 2008 // CREW applauds the indictment of Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) on seven counts of making false statements (summary of Stevens' violations attached). Each count is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. The indictment states that from 1999 through 2006, Sen. Stevens failed to list on his personal financial disclosure forms a significant number of gifts valued at over $250,000 made by VECO, an Alaskan oil pipeline company, and the company’s CEO, Bill Allen. CREW, which has named Sen. Stevens as one of the most corrupt members of Congress, has long alleged that Sen. Stevens’ conduct violated federal criminal law.

CREW executive director Melanie Sloan stated, “Although he was not charged with bribery, the indictment states that Sen. Stevens used his official position on behalf of VECO while receiving gifts from the company and its CEO. With this indictment, members of Congress have been put on notice that the Justice Department, on behalf of the American people, will not tolerate members abusing their position for private personal gain. Sadly, the same cannot be said of the Senate Ethics Committee, which has long turned a blind eye to Sen. Stevens’ offenses.” Sloan continued, “The citizens of Alaska deserve a senator focused on their issues not his own criminal charges. As a result, Sen. Stevens should resign immediately.”