Federal Grand Jury Indicts Sen. Stevens

By Ira Teinowitz

U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, former chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and now its ranking Republican member, was indicted today by a federal grand jury. He’s accused of accepting more than $250,000 from a multinational oil services company.

The powerful Alaska senator was accused in the indictment of getting cars, home improvements and household goods during an eight-year period and not listing them on his Senate ethics form.

Mr. Stevens immediately stepped down, temporarily, from the Senate Commerce Committee, but he denied the charges.

“I am innocent of these charges and intend to prove that,” he said. “I have proudly served this nation and Alaska for over 50 years. My public service began when I served in World War II. It saddens me to learn that these charges have been brought against me. I have never knowingly submitted a false disclosure form required by law as a U.S. senator.”

Mr. Stevens, who in the committee has been a regular backer of broadcast interests, was already in an increasingly tough re-election bid. Mr. Stevens was the Senate sponsor of legislation for an Alaska bridge called the “bridge to nowhere” that was criticized by some colleagues including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. The bridge from Ketchikan to the island of Gravina would have cost taxpayers $320 million. Gravina has a population of 50 people.

The seven-count indictment handed down in Washington said the money and the work were arranged by Veco Corp., which also was lobbying the senator. The indictment charges the senator used his office on behalf of the company.

Mr. Stevens also is the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Stevens cited Senate Republican Conference rules as the reason he was stepping down.

“I have temporarily relinquished my vice-chairmanship and ranking positions until I am absolved of these charges,” he said.

(2:40 p.m.: Updated with Sen. Stevens' stepping down)