Document Dump: Statement From Ney's Attorney
Statement of Mark H. Tuohey III and William E. Lawler III, Counsel for Congressman Robert W. Ney
The Plea Agreement Congressman Ney has reached with the government reflects his decision to deal with the effects of his past conduct and to start preparing for the next stages of his life.
Bob Ney is a decent, hardworking, lifelong public servant who has made serious mistakes and he wants to take responsibility for those mistakes.
For over two years, the government has exhaustively investigated every aspect of Congressman Ney’s life and work. While the plea agreement is very serious, some of the very worst impressions and rumors about Congressman Ney that have been thrown around simply are not true. The actual facts will show that Bob Ney made serious mistakes in judgment and action, but the facts will also show that Bob Ney worked hard for the people of his District. His work has ranged from helping military widows seeking fair benefits to ensuring that children get access to decent housing and education.
Congressman Ney has come to realize that alcohol dependency has affected his judgment, but he is not running away from his conduct or offering excuses. Congressman Ney accepts responsibility for his actions, and we hope that the treatment he has begun will enable him and his family to face the future in a healthy and productive way.
Ney is using a loophole in Federal Prison policy. His "I am an alcoholic" line is just an attempt to get out of jail. The fed's policy stipulates that iInmates with a chemical dependency issue are eligible for early release to a half-way house (in some cases several) months prior to their release. The idea is that they can get community-based treatment and slowly re-enter their community with support. In Ney's case, he's just trying to get into a Volunteers for America Half-Way House close to home. And guess who is on the board of Volunteers of America?