Profile of Lobbyist Jack Abramoff
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Abramoff Career Path:
— Jack Abramoff was born in New Jersey.
— He attended high school in Beverly Hills, Calif.
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— As head of the college Republicans, he helped coordinate a "national student liberation day" to celebrate the first anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Grenada.
— Later he worked for the conservative advocacy group Citizens for America until he was fired over questions about mismanaged money.
— He then became chairman of the conservative International Freedom Foundation, later revealed to be financed by the white South African government, according to the South African truth commission.
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— In 1986, Abramoff headed to Hollywood, where he produced "Red Scorpion," an anti-communist movie that allegedly got money from the South African military.
— It was the Republican takeover of Congress that brought Abramoff back to Washington.
Alleged Dealings:
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— Investigators have been looking into a wealth of alleged dealings involving the 46-year-old Abramoff, including junkets he arranged for politicians like former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
Abramoff's Deal:
— Lawyers said today Abramoff has agreed to plead guilty to a series of federal charges and cooperate in an investigation of influence-peddling involving members of Congress.