Witnesses have cried and quoted Bible passages as testimony in the trial of a figure in the Jack Abramoff scandal continues.

The National Journal has been covering the Kevin Ring trial every day. A slew of former Congressional aides have talked about the meals, tickets, drinks and other gifts they received from the former lobbyist.

Ann Copland, who was in charge of Indian issues for Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), readily accepted the gifts. But she said they didn't force her to take action to benefit the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Abramoff's biggest client.

"I can't imagine not helping the Choctaw," Copland testified, the Journal reported. "They were constituents."

Ring is on trial for fraud and conspiracy in connection with his lobbying for tribes and other clients. A separate trial is pending on obstruction of justice charges.

Get the Story:
Ring Trial Is Fraught With Complex Issues (The National Journal 9/24)
Jury Watches DoJ Official Using Ring's Tickets (The National Journal 9/23)
Witness Details Team Abramoff's Methods (The National Journal 9/23)
Former Staffer: 'Not Because Of The Tickets' (The National Journal 9/22)
Ex-Senate Staffer: Lobbyist Gifts Made Life 'Fun' (The National Journal 9/22)

Relevant Documents:
DOJ Opposition | Indictment: US v Ring

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Former DOJ official tied to Abramoff investigation (9/4)
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