Ronald Blackly, who was the top aide to former Agriculture Department secretary Mike Espy, was convicted today by a Washington, DC, jury of lying to investigators about US$22,000 in payments he had received from companies that were getting huge subsidies from the USDA. Espy himself has pleaded not guilty to taking $35,000 in gifts and favors from companies he regulated, and is expected to go on trial early next year.
Espy Aide Convicted
Ronald Blackly, who was the top aide to former Agriculture Department secretary Mike Espy, was convicted today by a Washington, DC, jury of lying to investigators about US$22,000 in payments he had received from companies that were getting huge subsidies from the USDA. Espy himself has pleaded not guilty to taking $35,000 in gifts and favors from companies he regulated, and is expected to go on trial early next year.
