Judge rejects mistrial in Abramoff figure's case
A federal judge refused to declare a mistrial in the case against Kevin Ring, a former associate of jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Jurors reached a verdict on one of the charges but remain deadlocked on seven other counts, the foreman said. Judge Ellen S. Huvelle asked them to continue deliberations for an eighth day, rejecting requests by the federal prosecutors and Ring's attorneys to declare a mistrial.

Prosecutors say Ring showered gifts on Congressional aides and Bush administration officials to influence them into taking actions to benefit his clients, including the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Abramoff's biggest client.

Prosecutors also say Ring developed a "corrupt" lobbying scheme whose targets included Sandia Pueblo of New Mexico

Get the Story:
Judge keeps jury at work in Oklahoma lobbying corruption case (The Oklahoman 10/15)
Ring Jurors Still Deadlocked (The Blog of Legal Times 10/14)
Both Sides Call For Mistrial In Ring Case (The National Journal 10/14)
Former Aide To Fight Abramoff-Related Charges (The National Journal 10/14)

Related Stories:
Jury still deliberating fate of Abramoff figure (10/14)