Former Espy Aide Convicted Of Lying

Blackley faces 15 years, $750,000 fine

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Dec. 1) -- Ronald H. Blackley, once chief of staff to former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy, faces up to 15 years in prison after being convicted today of lying to federal investigators.

Blackley received $22,000 from associates who had business before his agency, failed to list it on his financial-disclosure forms and then lied about the matter to a string of investigators looking into it.

He also could be fined up to $750,000 when sentenced on the three counts on Feb. 12.

"Blackley not only accepted things of value from businesses his agency regulated, he lied on at least four separate occasions," said independent counsel Donald C. Smaltz, whose office investigated Espy and also prosecuted Blackley.

Espy has a trial of his own early next year. Smaltz has brought Espy up on charges that he accepted $35,000 in sporting event tickets, travel and lodging from firms regulated by his department.

In Other News:

Monday Dec. 1, 1997

• Reno's Independent Counsel Decision Expected Tuesday
• Report: Defense Readiness Depends On Quick Reforms
• Former Espy Aide Convicted Of Lying

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