Democratic lawmaker Rep. William Jefferson (New Orleans, Louisiana) has been under [tag]investigation[/tag] for [tag]bribery[/tag], and the FBI says he was videotaped receiving a $100,000 bribe from an [tag]FBI informant[/tag] on July 30. 2005. The money was given to Jefferson to use as a [tag]bribe[/tag] for a high-ranking Nigerian official, in order to help a Nigerian business deal go through.

On August 3, the FBI executed a [tag]search warrant[/tag] at Jefferson’s house in Washington. $90,000 cash (with serial numbers that matched those used for the $100,000 bribe) was allegedly found in the home’s freezer, wrapped in $10,000 packs in aluminum foil and food containers.

Two of Jefferson’s business associates have pleaded guilty to bribery charges in Alexandria. One of them, Vernon Jackson, admitted to paying more than $400,000 in bribes to Jefferson in exchange for help in securing business deals in African countries.

Jefferson’s congressional office on Capitol Hill was searched by federal agents on Saturday night. He has not yet been charged, and he denies any wrongdoing.