[JURIST] As anticipated [JURIST report] in JURIST's Paper Chase, Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff [Wikipedia profile] pleaded not guilty Monday to conspiracy and wire fraud charges arising from a casino cruise line deal. Abramoff was indicted [JURIST report] earlier this month along with business partner Adam Kidan for allegedly defrauding two lenders of $60 million to buy San Cruz Casinos. Abramoff, once a close friend of US House Majority Leader Tom DeLay [official website], is also involved in a House Ethics Committee [official website] investigation into whether Abramoff paid for some of DeLay's foreign trips in violation of House rules. Reuters has more.