WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Investigators probing convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff's dealings with U.S. congressional members said Abramoff allegedly named Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.
A spokesman for Reid said the Senate's next majority leader has done nothing illegal or unethical, ABC News said.
"We have no idea what Abramoff is telling prosecutors to save his skin but I do know that these kind of old allegations are completely ridiculous and untrue," spokesman Jim Manley told ABC News.
A source close to the investigation told ABC that Abramoff alleged that more than $30,000 in campaign contributions to Reid came from Abramoff's clients. The lobbyist reportedly claimed that Reid agreed to help on Indian gambling issues, ABC said.
The source said prosecutors would not rely only on Abramoff's account and that his allegations against Reid and others will not necessarily mean criminal charges would be filed, ABC said.
Abramoff, who reported to federal prison Wednesday, was sentenced in connection with guilty pleas involving a casino boat gambling scheme. He also is awaiting sentencing for corruption involving government officials and their staff members. He is cooperating with federal investigators looking into corruption in the legislative and executive branches.
