UPDATED BELOW:

About time.  I can't believe how long this has taken.

I am sure building the case against him was difficult, because finding $90,000 in bribery cash wrapped in foil in his freezer is so ambiguous.  

Report: Democratic Rep. Jefferson to face more than a dozen charges in federal indictment

Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA) is set to face more than a dozen public corruption charges from federal authorities, according to breaking news reports. A maximum sentence for Jefferson could reportedly result in 200 years in prison.

"Sources tell CBS News that authorities are seeking an indictment against Congressman William Jefferson, D-La., on more than a dozen counts involving public corruption. Details soon," reads a banner at the top of the CBS News website Monday afternoon.

The Associated Press added that the charges against Jefferson were substantial, and the penalties could be significant.

"A Justice Department official familiar with the case said the indictment outlining the evidence against Jefferson is more than an inch thick and charges the congressman with crimes that could keep him in prison for up to 200 years," wrote Lara Jakes Jordan.

An aide to the Louisiana Democrat, who was re-elected last November in spite of the cloud hanging over him, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bribery of a public official and conspiracy last year. Vernon Jackson, CEO of a Kentucky-based internet company, also pleaded guilty to the act of bribery which Jefferson's aide admitted to arranging.

Jefferson's home and office in Washington, DC, were raided by the FBI in May last year, triggering a conflict between the executive and legislative branches in which former House Speaker Dennis Hastert spoke out in Jefferson's defense.

DEVELOPING …

More to come I am sure.

Update:  I was right.  It is official, he has bene indicted.

Jury indicts Jefferson in bribery probe

Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., was indicted Monday on federal charges of racketeering, soliciting bribes and money-laundering in a long-running bribery investigation into business deals he tried to broker in Africa.

The indictment handed up in federal court in Alexandria., Va., Monday is 94 pages long and lists 16 alleged violations of federal law that could keep Jefferson in prison for up to 235 years, according to a Justice Department official who has seen the document.

Among the charges listed in the indictment, said the official, are racketeering, soliciting bribes, wire fraud, money-laundering, obstruction of justice, conspiracy and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case.

Jefferson is accused of soliciting bribes for himself and his family, and also for bribing a Nigerian official.

Nice guy.

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