Alaska Political Corruption Probe
Stevens has been investigated by the FBI in connection with an ongoing Alaska political corruption probe, though he has not been charged with any crime. His office has been visited twice by FBI agents who seized evidence including documents relating to an alleged payment scheme involving fisheries legislation.
A 2003 legislative earmark gave the Alaska Native community at Adak Island (and thereby Adak Fisheries) exclusive rights to pollock fishing, worth millions of dollars to Adak Fisheries. Beginning in July 2002, Stevens held a secret option, expiring in December 2004, to buy a 25% ownership in Adak for an immediate payment of $50,000 and another $450,000 paid over time. In mid-2004, 50% of Adak was sold for $4.3 million to a Seattle company. In November 2004, Stevens attempted to exercise the option, but because of changes in ownership of Adak, the complexity of the agreement between Aleut and Adak, and subsequent litigation, his $50,000 check was never cashed and Stevens did not get any ownership rights. Adak Fisheries paid Stevens $295,000 between 2000 and 2004.
In September 2007, Stevens called into an Anchorage talk radio show to proclaim his innocence. He said he "didn't do anything illegal" and that he worked in the state's best interest as a senator.
Read more about this topic: Ben Stevens
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