Istook Aide To Cooperate In Federal Probe

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A longtime top aide to former Rep. Ernest Istook will cooperate in ongoing federal probe, prompting a delay in his sentencing.

Oklahoma native John Albaugh pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in federal court in Washington, D.C., in June and was scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 17.

But the U.S. Justice Department and Albaugh's attorney filed a motion in court last month seeking to delay Albaugh's sentencing until at least April 17, when a conference with the judge in the case is scheduled

The motion says that as part of his plea agreement, Albaugh has agreed to cooperate with government agents and prosecutors.

He pleaded guilty June 2 to conspiring with a lobbyist to secure road projects for the lobbyist's clients in exchange for meals and tickets to concerts and sporting events.

Istook has said he has talked to the FBI but was told he was not a target in the case.