Former Doolittle aide indicted on corruption charges

A former legislative director to retiring U.S. Rep. John Doolittle (R-Roseville) has been indicted on public corruption charges, according to Roll Call.

Lobbyist Kevin Ring, who was on Doolittle's staff from 1993 to 1998, was formally charged Monday in Washington, D.C., with 10 counts of corruption relating to work he did as a colleague of convicted former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Specifically, the indictment states that Ring conspired with Abramoff to provide gifts and money to lawmakers who could influence the construction of American Indian casinos.

The tribes looking to build those casinos were clients of Ring and Abramoff, according to the indictment. The gifts and money were directed to staff members for two unidentified lawmakers; Doolittle is under investigation for his connections to Abramoff.

The indictment also states that Ring attempted to cover up the gifts by giving false statements about them during an internal audit, and knowingly allowing those who received the gifts to omit them from required public disclosure filings.

If convicted, Ring could receive up to five years in prison for conspiracy, three years in prison for payment of a gratuity, up to 20 years in prison on each of six counts of wire fraud and 10 years in prison for each of two counts of obstruction of justice. He could also face a fine of up to $250,000.

Doolittle, who has represented the district since 1991, is retiring this year largely because of concern that the Abramoff investigation could cost him re-election, observers believe.

His 2006 opponent, Roseville Democrat Charlie Brown, is running against state Sen. Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) to replace him in the 4th Congressional District.