Former US congressman guilty in Abramoff scandal begins 30-month prison term News
Former US congressman guilty in Abramoff scandal begins 30-month prison term

[JURIST] Former US Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH) [Sourcewatch profile] reported to prison Thursday morning to begin serving his 30-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution [BOP backgrounder], a minimum-security prison in Morgantown, West Virginia. The district judge who presided over Ney's sentencing hearing [JURIST report] rejected Ney's claim that his alcohol dependency clouded his judgment, finding that it didn't fully explain his corrupt behavior or excuse violating laws he was "sworn to enforce and uphold. He will likely undergo rehabilitation for alcoholism as recommended by the judge at his sentencing hearing.

Ney pleaded guilty [plea agreement, PDF; JURIST report] last October to conspiracy and making false statements in relation to his dealings with lobbyist Jack Abramoff [JURIST news archive], from whom he received gifts and illegal campaign contributions. In response to the political corruption scandal, the Republican congressman in November resigned from the US House of Representatives. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.