Abramoff-Connected Indictment Issued for Former Armey Aide
The Justice Department issued a five-count indictment Friday against a former aide to then-Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) in the ongoing influence-peddling investigation tied to disgraced ex-lobbyist Jack Abramoff.Horace Cooper, who worked on the Hill from 1994 until late 2001, is charged with conspiracy, fraudulent concealment, false statements and obstruction of an official proceeding.According to the indictment, Cooper accepted more than $5,000 worth of gifts from Abramoff and his colleagues between 1998 and 2000, during which time he served as director of coalitions in the Majority Leader’s office.The gifts included tickets to professional sporting events, as well as concerts such as ’Nsync and the Dixie Chicks.The indictment also charges Cooper with accepting an additional $9,000 in similar gifts during his subsequent tenure as an official at Voice of American and then the Labor Department. Those gifts also included meals at Abramoff’s now-defunct Signatures restaurant.Cooper is scheduled to appear in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Sept. 9.