U.S. lawyers try to solve RP's case

U.S. lawyers try to solve RP's case

MANILA (AP): American lawyers for a Filipino congressman
wanted for allegedly making illegal campaign contributions in the
United States are negotiating a plea bargain agreement, his
Filipino attorney said on Tuesday.

The United States has been seeking the extradition of Mark
Jimenez, a businessman who was close to ousted President Joseph
Estrada.

Jimenez won a seat in the House of Representatives in May
congressional elections, running as an independent under his
former name, Mario Crespo. He represents one of Manila's six
districts.

Jimenez, who ran a computer parts distribution business in the
United States, was indicted in 1997 in Washington on 17 counts of
illegally giving nearly $40,000 to Democratic Party candidates.
An additional indictment charged him with conspiracy, tax evasion
and mail fraud.

Jimenez fled the United States and returned to the
Philippines.