WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Lobbyist Jack Abramoff, under investigation for his financial dealings with Indian tribes, was the subject of a Guam grand jury probe in 2002.
The Los Angeles Times reports documents show Abramoff was suspected of taking money in exchange for Washington influence in a case involving court reform on the Pacific island, which is a U.S. territory.
However, a day after a subpoena was issued demanding release of the contract's details, the federal prosecutor in the case was demoted by President George W. Bush. The inquiry consequently stalled, the newspaper reported.
Abramoff was reportedly hired by Guam's Superior court to press Congress to defeat a bill that would give the Guam Supreme Court ruling authority over the Superior court. The legislation was later passed.
Through a spokesman, Abramoff said he has no recollection of the affair, and he would have cooperated fully with an investigation. He did not comment further.
The demoted prosecutor, Frederick A. Black, declined comment. He had been acting U.S. Attorney in Guam for over a decade.
