Montana road project figured into lobbyist's arrest

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Sep 14, 2008 at 10:47 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 14, 2008 at 10:47 PM MDT

WASHINGTON - A rural road in southeastern Montana has become entangled in the long-running Jack Abramoff scandal, factoring into the arrest of a Washington lobbyist last week.

Lobbyist Kevin Ring worked for Montana's Carter County for several years. He pleaded not guilty on September 8th to a 10-count federal indictment. The indictment accused him of conspiring with jailed former lobbyist Abramoff to win assistance from congressional and executive-branch officials by giving them things of value.

Ring was recommended to Carter County by Montana Representative Denny Rehberg. He was hired in 2003 to help obtain federal dollars to pave a portion of gravel highway between the small towns of Alzada and Ekalaka in southeastern Montana.

Prosecutors allege he used his inappropriate relationship with a congressional aide to secure some of that money. Carter County Commissioner Joe Courtney says the county fired Ring when news reports started popping up about his association with Abramoff.

Missoula

Icon
Current Temp 49.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Calm
Pressure : 1024.7 mb
Humidity : 71 %
More Weather

Butte

Icon
Current Temp 40.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Southeast at 6.9 MPH (6 KT)
Pressure : 1025.7 mb
Humidity : 77 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Do you think Montana's DUI laws need to be tougher?

  • Yes
  • No

AP Video