Posted May 4, 2005 – The Kentucky businessman accused of paying more than $400,000 in bribes to a congressman to further the telecommunications company’s overseas business pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Tuesday.
Vernon Jackson, 53, chief executive of Louisville-based iGate Inc., admitted to bribing a public official and conspiring to bribe a public official.
The charges stemmed from a federal investigation of Rep. William Jefferson, D-La.
While Jefferson was not directly named in the pleading, Court records indicate that the congressman whom Jackson admits to bribing is Jefferson. No charges have been filed against him, and Jefferson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
“As I have previously stated, I have never over all the years of my public service, accepted payment from anyone for the performance of any act or duty for which I have been elected,” Jefferson, who represents New Orleans, said in a prepared statement.
He added that he was both “surprised” and “disappointed” by Jackson’s plea and “characterization of our relationship. …I am confident and am trusting God, that this simple fact will be established in the proper forum as I am innocent in the matter to which Vernon Jackson has plead guilty."
Jackson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced July 27.
Jackson's plea agreement says iGate paid bribes in return for the congressman's using his influence to promote iGate's technology in Nigeria and other African countries.
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