A former Bush administration official was found guilty of obstructing justice in the first trial to emerge from a lobbying scandal that has rocked American politics.
A jury in Washington Tuesday convicted David Safavian of attempting to cover up his dealings with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Safavian was a senior official at the federal agency that handles government property, the General Services Administration.
He was convicted on four counts of lying to investigators and obstructing justice in relation to a probe into a golfing trip he took to Europe, arranged by Abramoff. Safavian was accused of concealing Abramoff's interest in government-owned buildings at the time he took the luxurious trip.
Abramoff is cooperating with authorities who are investigating his attempts to influence members of Congress and political staffers with illegal gifts, favors and contributions.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.