Rep. Jefferson pleads not guilty: AP

Jefferson has received criticism for his actions in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Five days after the hurricane made landfall, under his authority as a congressman Jefferson utilized a National Guard detachment to recover personal effects and belongings from his home.[5] After the truck in which he and the detachment traveled became stuck, further National Guard resources were expended (amidst ongoing search and rescue operations) to aid the original detachment, including a second truck and helicopter.

A 94-page indictment, handed down Monday, details 11 separate bribery schemes and 16 criminal counts, including racketeering, soliciting bribes, wire fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice.

If convicted, Jefferson faces a possible maximum sentence of 235 years. His trial is scheduled for January.