Jack Abramoff getting cooperator’s benefit

This story, headlined “DOJ Seeks Reduced Sentence For Abramoff In D.C. Corruption Case,” highlights in a high-profile setting the sentencing benefits of cooperating with the feds:

Federal prosecutors are seeking a reduced sentence for imprisoned GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff in a Washington, D.C., corruption case, citing his his “significant and useful” cooperation against other individuals involved in the scandal that brought down the one-time K Street superstar.

Prosecutors are seeking only a 64-month sentence for Abramoff in the D.C. corruption case, far less than the minimum 108 months behind bars he could have received under federal sentencing guidelines. Abramoff, who is already serving a 70-month prison term in a Florida fraud case, is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 4 in the D.C. case.

The Washington Post is reporting that Abramoff “would serve no more than another three years and three months in prison, not accounting for credit for good behavior awarded by the Bureau of Prisons,” meaning he could be out by late 2011, and possibly a year earlier if Abramoff’s attorneys are successful in winning further reductions.

Abramoff’s assistance to DOJ and FBI investigators “has exposed significant misconduct by others in and out of public office and revealed to law enforcement officials and the public the manner and means used by government officials to game the system for private advantage in violation of criminal, regulatory, and ethical laws and rules,” prosecutors said in a pre-sentencing memo filed today. According to Abramoff’s attorney. their client has spent more than 3,000 hours meeting with more than 100 federal investigators.