Justice's case against Stevens focuses on forms

0 Comments | USA TODAY, July, 2008 | by Ken Dilanian

WASHINGTON -- In 1991, Sen. Mark Hatfield, an influential Oregon Republican, came under federal investigation into whether he failed to report a series of gifts on his ethics statements.

Hatfield wasn't charged with a crime. He admitted his failure to disclose more than $42,000 in gifts, including at least $18,000 from a university president during a time he was helping the university with a grant. He accepted a rebuke by the Ethics Committee, apologized to his constituents and went on with his career. He retired in 1997.

What once was a matter for admonishment has now brought the full weight of a federal prosecution down on Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, who finds himself facing felony charges -- and possible prison time -- in a case that also involves gifts. ...