Nearly three years after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to bribe public officials, one-time “superlobbyist” Jack Abramoff is likely to be sentenced for those crimes in September.

Abramoff and federal prosecutors have continued to delay sentencing while Abramoff was cooperating in the ongoing investigation, which has thus far led to convictions of a dozen people.

In a joint motion filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the two sides stipulate that Abramoff “has been cooperating with government agents and prosecutors. While the government anticipates that Mr. Abramoff’s cooperation in the form of possible testimony will continue for the foreseeable future, the parties believe that they are in a position to inform the court about the full scope of his misconduct and cooperation.” Therefore, “sentencing in the near future in this case is appropriate.”

The motion suggests a September sentencing date. His charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, though he is likely to face far less time. His plea also stipulates that he will ultimately have to pay back about $25 million to his former clients. Abramoff pleaded guilty in January 2006 to one count each of conspiracy, honest service fraud and tax evasion. He has been serving a five-year sentence for fraud in connection with his involvement in a Florida cruise line.

— Paul Singer