Tom Anderson (politician)
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Thomas T. "Tom" Anderson (born August 4, 1967)Alaska Legislature. (2005-09-20)
"Representative Tom Anderson" (biography).
Through Internet Archive. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.
is a partner at Optima Public Relations in Anchorage, Alaska and also a radio talk show host of "Tom Anderson Show" (www.TomAndersonShow.com) on KVNT 92.5 FM and 1020 AM in Anchorage and Mat-Su Valley Alaska. Anderson is a former
Alaska state representative The Alaska State House of Representatives is the lower house in the Alaska Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Alaska. The House is composed of 40 members, each of whom represents a district of approximately 17,756 people per ...
for District 19 representing northeast Anchorage,
Alaska Alaska ( ; russian: Аляска, Alyaska; ale, Alax̂sxax̂; ; ems, Alas'kaaq; Yup'ik: ''Alaskaq''; tli, Anáaski) is a state located in the Western United States on the northwest extremity of North America. A semi-exclave of the U.S. ...
. Anderson, a
Republican Republican can refer to: Political ideology * An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law. ** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...
, served in the
Alaska Legislature The Alaska Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a bicameral institution consisting of the 40-member Alaska House of Representatives (lower house) and the 20-member Alaska Senate (upper house). There are 40 Ho ...
for two terms, from 2003 until 2007, and became known for his sponsorship of legislation which expanded Alaska's DNA database to assist in forensic identification of criminal suspects through
DNA testing Genetic testing, also known as DNA testing, is used to identify changes in DNA sequence or chromosome structure. Genetic testing can also include measuring the results of genetic changes, such as RNA analysis as an output of gene expression, o ...
. On December 6, 2006, Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury on seven felony counts of
extortion Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion. In most jurisdictions it is likely to constitute a criminal offence; the bulk of this article deals with such cases. Robbery is the simplest and most common form of extortion, ...
, bribery,
conspiracy A conspiracy, also known as a plot, is a secret plan or agreement between persons (called conspirers or conspirators) for an unlawful or harmful purpose, such as murder or treason, especially with political motivation, while keeping their agre ...
, and money laundering involving allegations that he took bribes of nearly $13,000 in return for using his official position as a legislator to advocate for the certificate of need (CON) issuance for a residential psychiatric treatment center (RPTC) associated with the Gov. Frank Murkowski "Bring the Kids Home" initiative, and for contract changes relating to a community confinement center (halfway house) in Anchorage. In July 2007 he was found guilty on all seven felony countsDemer, Lisa. (2007-07-09)
"Jury finds Anderson guilty in bribery trial."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
and was sentenced in October 2007 to 60 months imprisonment to commence at the Federal Prison Camp in
Sheridan, Oregon Sheridan is a city in Yamhill County, Oregon, United States. Platted in the 1860s when it received a post office, the city was incorporated in 1880. A major fire burned much of the city in 1913, and a flood covered much of the city in 1964. The po ...
, on December 3, 2007. Anderson was one of seven legislators indicted, including U.S. Senator
Ted Stevens Theodore Fulton Stevens Sr. (November 18, 1923 – August 9, 2010) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a U.S. Senator from Alaska from 1968 to 2009. He was the longest-serving Republican Senator in history at the time he left ...
, State Senator John Cowdery, former Speaker of the House Pete Kott, State Representative
Bruce Weyhrauch Bruce Weyhrauch is an attorney in Juneau, Alaska, United States. He is also a former representative in the Alaska State House representing Juneau's District 4. Weyhrauch has practiced at his own law office in Juneau for nearly three decades. ...
, State Representative
Vic Kohring Victor H. Kohring (August 2, 1958 – September 6, 2022) was an American politician who was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives. A Republican, he was elected to seven consecutive two-year terms beginning in 1994. Kohring represented W ...
and State Representative
Beverly Masek Beverly L. "Bev" Masek (née Jerue) (born September 30, 1963) is an Alaska Native and an American former dog sled racer, and businesswoman. She was a Republican politician who served in the state legislature for several terms. Early life, educ ...
.


Early life and career

Anderson was born in Anchorage, one of two sons of Col. Tom R. Anderson, former director of the
Alaska State Troopers The Alaska State Troopers, officially the Division of Alaska State Troopers (AST), is the state police agency of the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a division of the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS). The Alaska State Troopers is a full-se ...
and later
general manager A general manager (GM) is an executive who has overall responsibility for managing both the revenue and cost elements of a company's income statement, known as profit & loss (P&L) responsibility. A general manager usually oversees most or all of ...
of the
Sullivan Arena The George M. Sullivan Arena (commonly shortened to the "Sullivan Arena" and often referred to colloquially as "The Sully") is a 6,290 seat arena in Anchorage, Alaska, United States. The arena is named after former Anchorage mayor George M. Sul ...
, and his wife Christiane.Shinohara, Rosemary. (2002-10-16)
"Young guns aim for House District 19 — Owen Carey, Tom Anderson each boast deep Anchorage roots."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
Shinohara, Rosemary. (2000-08-04)
"Wuerch aide wins school board seat."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.
Anderson attended Muldoon Elementary School and Clark Junior High, and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1985. He attended
University of Alaska Anchorage The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public university in Anchorage, Alaska. UAA also administers four community campuses spread across Southcentral Alaska: Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, Matanuska–Susitna College, and Pr ...
(UAA) from 1985 to 1993, earning a B.A. in Political Science in 1989 and an M.A. in Public Administration in 1993. Beginning in 1991, while still a student at UAA, he served as chief of staff for Representative Terry Martin, an East Anchorage Republican who was first elected to the House in 1978. In that capacity, Anderson was also an aide for the
legislature A legislature is an assembly with the authority to make law Law is a set of rules that are created and are enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior,Robertson, ''Crimes against humanity'', 90. with its p ...
's Budget and Audit Committee and the House Finance Committee. During this time he was also on the board of directors for the Anchorage Parking Authority Board from 1992 to 1995 and, from 1995 to 1996, he was vice-chair of the Anchorage Light & Power Commission. Anderson then returned to school, attending Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, from 1996 to 1999, when he earned his Juris Doctor, and on returning to Anchorage became a legal and public affairs consultant. He served on the Anchorage Zoning Board of Appeals and Examiners from 1999 to 2001 and in 2000 was a member of the transition team for Anchorage Mayor
George Wuerch George Poe Wuerch (born 1936) is an American politician and a member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party. He served as List of mayors of Anchorage, Alaska, mayor of Anchorage, Alaska from 2000 to 2003. In the 2003 Anchorag ...
. He also worked as a law clerk for local attorneys. In August 2000, Anderson was appointed over 29 other applicants by the Anchorage School Board, on a vote of 5 to 1, to fill out the term of school board member Kathi Gillespie, who had resigned the previous month. In April 2001, Anderson was defeated for a full term on the board by challenger Jake Metcalfe.Porco, Peter. (2001-04-05)
"School Board Seat A heads toward runoff — Election: Leading candidate Tim Steele falls short, receives less than 50 percent of vote."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.


Consulting business

Anderson registered for a business license for a consulting business called Alaska Strategic Consultants on November 9, 1999.Corporations Database
Alaska Strategic Consultants
. Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing, Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
In 2001, Anderson, through his consulting business, had six clients, each of which paid him over $1,000. The clients included the electronic parts supplier Frigid North and the bar, restaurant, and liquor trade association Anchorage Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR). In 2002, Anderson, acting as CHARR's executive director, received $40,800 from the association.Demer, Lisa. (2006-12-09)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.


Legislative career


23rd Alaska Legislature

In 2002 Anderson, then serving as executive director of the Anchorage Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailers Association (CHARR), a trade association of Anchorage-area bars and restaurants, ran as a
Republican Republican can refer to: Political ideology * An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the rule of law. ** Republicanism, the ideology in support of republics or agains ...
against
Democrat Democrat, Democrats, or Democratic may refer to: Politics *A proponent of democracy, or democratic government; a form of government involving rule by the people. *A member of a Democratic Party: **Democratic Party (United States) (D) **Democratic ...
Owen Carey for
Alaska House The Alaska State House of Representatives is the lower house in the Alaska Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Alaska. The House is composed of 40 members, each of whom represents a district of approximately 17,756 people per ...
District 19, covering the Muldoon area of Anchorage. He defeated Carey in the November 5 election.Cockerham, Sean. (2002-11-06)
"French defeats Donley for Senate seat — Majority: Despite that loss, Republicans retain control of House and Senate."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
With other legislators, Anderson was sworn into office at the state capital in
Juneau The City and Borough of Juneau, more commonly known simply as Juneau ( ; tli, Dzánti K'ihéeni ), is the capital city of the state of Alaska. Located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, it is a unified municipality and the s ...
as a member of the 23rd Alaska Legislature on January 21, 2003.Inklebarger, Timothy. (2003-01-21)
"Game on: Lawmakers sworn in for 23rd legislative session."
''Juneau Empire''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
Anderson served as chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee and Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. He was also a member of the House committees on Community and Regional Affairs and Administrative Regulation Review, the Finance Subcommittees in the Administration, Corrections, Public Safety, and Revenue committees, and, during the first legislative session (in 2003), the Conference Committee on SJR 8.Alaska Legislature. (2003-05-29)
"Member Information: Representative Tom Anderson."
Through Internet Archive. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.
During the first legislative session in 2003, Anderson championed House Bill 49, of which he was co-sponsor, to expand the state DNA database by requiring DNA samples from all convicted felons; any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime against a person, such as assault; and anyone convicted of a misdemeanor sex offense. The bill applied the DNA sample requirement retroactively to people currently imprisoned or on parole for those crimes, as well as anyone required to register as a sex offender. Some serious juvenile offenders were also included under HB 49.Alaska Legislature
HB 49: "An Act relating to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) identification registration system and testing; and providing for an effective date."
Status date 2003-06-13. 23rd Alaska Legislature, Bill Action and Status Inquiry System. Retrieved on 2007-06-14.
Associated Press. (2003-06-14)
"Laws expand DNA database, lengthen jail time for some — Crime: Other bills include one closing a loophole in state's stalking statutes."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
The bill enjoyed wide bipartisan support,Tsong, Nicole. (2003-10-27)
"Judge bars DNA sampling — Lawsuit: Restraining order issued in case brought by John Doe sex offender."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
and was signed into law by Gov.
Frank Murkowski Frank Hughes Murkowski (born March 28, 1933) is an American politician and a member of the Republican Party. He was a United States Senator from Alaska from 1981 until 2002 and the eighth governor of Alaska from 2002 until 2006. In his 2006 re ...
on June 13, 2003. However, in October 2003 a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order which disallowed the state from requiring DNA samples from convicted sex offenders who had completed their sentences unless the state had first obtained a warrant and shown probable cause to believe a crime had been committed. Ultimately, the portion of the law requiring registered sex offenders who had completed their sentences to provide DNA samples was struck down as unconstitutional by U.S. District Judge John Sedwick; other provisions of the law remained intact.Tsong, Nicole. (2005-02-12)
"Sex crime DNA rule shot down — Court: Offenders whose sentences were over by 2003 are affected."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
In the second legislative session in 2004, Anderson was the House sponsor of a "
payday loan A payday loan (also called a payday advance, salary loan, payroll loan, small dollar loan, short term, or cash advance loan) is a short-term unsecured loan, often characterized by high interest rates. The term "payday" in payday loan refers to ...
" bill to regulate short-term, high-interest loans. The bill was passed and signed into law by Gov. Frank Murkowski in June 2004. Critics charges that the new law did not regulate loaners enough, still permitting them to charge fees for payday loans that amounted to interest rates of over 300 percent when calculated on an annual percentage basis. An Associated Press wire story about the bill noted that Anderson had received campaign contributions of $500 each (for a total of $1000) from the two co-owners of Cash Alaska, a payday lending company that had also hired former state senator Tim Kelly to push for the bill. (The Senate sponsor of the bill, John Cowdery, had received a $500 campaign contribution from one of the owners of the business).Brown, Cathy. (2004-07-01)
"Governor signs bill on high-interest loans — New rules: 'Payday' companies to be regulated, but some say not enough."
Associated Press wire story. ''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.


Northeast Community Council

Anderson played a significant role over two years from 2002 to 2004 in changing the composition of Anchorage's Northeast Community Council to reflect more conservative political and economic views. Anderson encouraged friends and allies, including pastors and members of the locally influential Anchorage Baptist Temple, to pack the town meeting-style community council elections. By May 2004, six of the nine community council board members, including its president, were friends and political allies of Anderson. While Anchorage's community councils have no real authority, they are influential with the Anchorage Assembly because, according to Dick Traini, then chair of the Anchorage Assembly, "they are the active people in the community that choose to be involved." Community council involvement has been a first step in the political careers of several Alaska politicians.Shinohara, Rosemary. (2004-05-07)
"Muldoon council reshaped — Rep. Anderson coup: Six of nine board members are people he supports."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
In July 2004, Anderson was criticized in an ''
Anchorage Daily News The ''Anchorage Daily News'' is a daily newspaper published by the Binkley Co., and based in Anchorage, Alaska. It is the most widely read newspaper and news website (adn.com) in the state of Alaska. The newspaper is headquartered in Anchorag ...
'' editorial for signing a $10,000 contract in 2003 with the Alaska oilfield services company
VECO Corporation VECO Corporation was an American oil pipeline service and construction company until its purchase in September 2007 by CH2M Hill. As of that date, the VECO Corporation ceased to exist. Founded in 1968 as Veltri Enterprises by Wayne Ray Veltri, ...
to consult "on local government and community council affairs."Anchorage Daily News. (2004-07-09)
"Opinion — Whom do they work for? It's a fair question for lawmakers on political players' payrolls."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
Anderson had earlier told the ''Anchorage Daily News'' that he'd been approached by VECO after the end of the 2003 legislative session because it was aware he'd done similar consulting work before he became a legislator. He told the newspaper that most of his work for VECO was in seeking out civic and charitable events for the company to get involved in, and that he also monitored Anchorage's community councils to see if there were zoning cases or other issues under discussion that might affect VECO. The newspaper noted that Anderson had received about $4,000 in campaign contributions from VECO employees or their spouses in the 2002 election that won him his first term in the Alaska House. By July 2004 he had received at least $3,500 in VECO-related contributions for his 2004 reelection bid.Cockerham, Sean. (2004-07-06)
"Consulting work pays off for some state legislators — Politics: Ben Stevens made $300,000 helping people who help him."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
Members of the community council later recalled Anderson attending all their meetings during 2003, and assumed he was attending as their representative in the state legislature. They did not learn he was there as a consultant for VECO until 2004, when his state financial disclosure form was filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission, as required by law.Kizzia, Tom and Lisa Demer. (2006-09-24)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10. Full detail of Anderson's outside income reported in APOC reports is not available on the free portions of the ''Anchorage Daily News'' website, but is found in th
archived version of the story
available through payment of a fee.
By the April 2006 election for Northeast Community Council, the effects of the 2004 takeover had been partially reversed, leaving the council nearly half and half liberal and conservative.Shinohara, Rosemary. (2006-05-06)
"Challenge changes council election outcome — Northeast: Member resigns, secret meeting averted, board installed."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.


24th Alaska Legislature

In 2004, Anderson ran for reelection to the Alaska House of Representatives. He defeated fellow Republican Louis Mayo in the August primaryAnchorage Daily News. (2004-08-26)
"Election 2004 — Primary results."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
and in the November 2 general election defeated Democratic challenger Peggy Robinson.Cockerham, Sean and Anne Aurand. (2004-11-03)
"Dems fall flat in Anchorage — Legislature: Republicans are poised to rule the roost in Juneau."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
In September 2005 it was disclosed that Anderson and Lesil McGuire, a fellow Republican representative from Anchorage, had married during the summer and that Anderson was moving out of his district to live with McGuire in her South Anchorage residence. Anderson stated that he intended to serve out the remainder of his term and not run for re-election. Alaska law specifies that legislative candidates must have lived in their district for at least one year immediately before filing for office, but nothing is said in the statute about legislators being required to maintain residence in their district for the entire course of their term.Cockerham, Sean. (2005-09-30)
"Anderson to leave district, not post — House: The newly married lawmaker is departing Muldoon."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.


Consulting work while in legislature

Anderson continued to work as a consultant during his time in the legislature. He had a $10,000 contract with
VECO Corporation VECO Corporation was an American oil pipeline service and construction company until its purchase in September 2007 by CH2M Hill. As of that date, the VECO Corporation ceased to exist. Founded in 1968 as Veltri Enterprises by Wayne Ray Veltri, ...
in 2003 to consult "on local government and community council affairs." During his first term as a legislator, he also had a $20,000 consulting contract with the Alaska Telephone Association, a group of rural telephone companies. Anderson told the ''Anchorage Daily News'' the contract was to advise the association on member relations and to research telecommunications policies in other states. The association's executive director said the contract was to educate its members on how to be more effective in dealings with lawmakers. As chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee, Anderson dealt in an official capacity with telecommunications issues, but Anderson said he was careful to avoid conflicts of interest and did not push his employers' interests. Anderson reported a total of $30,000 in income from VECO between 2003 and 2005. Anderson also reported to the Alaska Public Offices Commission outside income from Pacific Publishing for $10,000 in 2004 and $5,000 from Anchorage developer Marc Marlow in 2005. In total, he received $65,000 in outside consulting fees during his first three years in office. As an outgoing legislator, Anderson was not required to report his outside income for 2006.Anchorage Daily News. (2006-09-28)
"Opinion — No more free passes: Legislators should disclose their last-year financial deals."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10. Reprinted 2006-10-09 a
"Alaska editorial: Legislators should disclose their last-year financial deals."
''Juneau Empire''. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
In 2006 after the end of the regular 2006 legislative session, Anderson registered with the Municipality of Anchorage as a municipal lobbyist and worked briefly again for Anchorage CHARR in opposition to a proposed measure to extend a smoking ban in Anchorage restaurants and most indoor public spaces to also cover bars and bingo halls. By Alaska state law, legislators are not permitted to perform lobbyist work that would require them to register with the Alaska Public Offices Commission for a full year after they leave office, but lobbying the municipality on local issues did not appear to require registration with APOC.Hopkins, Lyle. (2006-06-12)
"Liquor industry hopes to soften bar smoking ban — Lobbying: Legislator bends Assembly ears on behalf of city tavern owners."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
In July Anderson was hired by the Anchorage Home Builders Association for $2,500 per month. The following month he testified before the Anchorage Assembly in favor of two stores that
Wal-Mart Walmart Inc. (; formerly Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.) is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets (also called supercenters), discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquarter ...
wanted to build in his legislative district. The Northeast Community Council opposed the stores. At the Assembly meeting, Assembly chair Dan Sullivan introduced Anderson as "Representative Anderson," but Anderson corrected him, stating that he was at the meeting in representation of the home builders association, which favored the Wal-Mart stores. Later in 2006, Anderson was hired as executive director of the Midtown Improvement District, which was then in the process of forming.


Federal corruption probe

On August 31 and September 1, 2006, the
FBI The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. Operating under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice, t ...
served some 20 search warrants in Anchorage,
Juneau The City and Borough of Juneau, more commonly known simply as Juneau ( ; tli, Dzánti K'ihéeni ), is the capital city of the state of Alaska. Located in the Gastineau Channel and the Alaskan panhandle, it is a unified municipality and the s ...
,
Wasilla Wasilla ( Dena'ina: ''Benteh'') is a city in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, United States and the fourth-largest city in Alaska. It is located on the northern point of Cook Inlet in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the southcentral part of the ...
, Eagle River, Girdwood and
Willow Willows, also called sallows and osiers, from the genus ''Salix'', comprise around 400 speciesMabberley, D.J. 1997. The Plant Book, Cambridge University Press #2: Cambridge. of typically deciduous trees and shrubs, found primarily on moist so ...
, primarily on the offices of several legislators.Volz, Matt. (1006-08-31)
"FBI agents search offices of at least six lawmakers."
Associated Press. ''Anchorage Daily News'' Retrieved 2007-05-07.
Mauer, Richard. (2006-09-05).

''Anchorage Daily News'' Retrieved 2007-05-07.
Demer, Lisa. (2006-09-06)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved 2007-05-07.
Anderson's office was not searched, but as it became clear that the legislators' ties to
VECO Corporation VECO Corporation was an American oil pipeline service and construction company until its purchase in September 2007 by CH2M Hill. As of that date, the VECO Corporation ceased to exist. Founded in 1968 as Veltri Enterprises by Wayne Ray Veltri, ...
was one target of the raids, Anderson, along with Sen.
Ben Stevens Benjamin Aavan Stevens (March 18, 1959 – October 13, 2022) was an American politician and political advisor who served as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy. He previously served as the President of the Alaska State S ...
(whose office had been searched), became the subject of articles in the ''Anchorage Daily News'' scrutinizing Anderson's and Stevens' outside incomes as consultants. Disclosure of the search warrant served on Rep. Vic Kohring, another of the six legislators searched, revealed that federal investigators were also interested in information related to Anchorage developer Marc Marlow and about Cornell Companies' effort in cooperation with
VECO Corporation VECO Corporation was an American oil pipeline service and construction company until its purchase in September 2007 by CH2M Hill. As of that date, the VECO Corporation ceased to exist. Founded in 1968 as Veltri Enterprises by Wayne Ray Veltri, ...
to build a private prison in Whittier, an effort which failed due to lack of local support. The ''Daily News'' observed, "Those documents, though lacking detail or context, suggest that the probe is wide-ranging and not focused on any one company, issue or individual."Demer, Lisa. (2006-10-09)
"FBI looks at more than Veco — Inquiry: Officials show interest in a developer and the Department of Corrections."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-14.


Bribery case


Indictment and arrest

On December 7, 2006, Anderson was arrested on a federal warrant at his home by agents of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. Operating under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice, ...
and was held overnight in the Anchorage jail.Associated Press. (2006-12-08)
Legislator arrested in FBI probe: Anderson seized at Anchorage home on bribery warrant."
''Juneau Empire''. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
Anderson had been indicted the previous day on seven counts, including two counts of
extortion Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion. In most jurisdictions it is likely to constitute a criminal offence; the bulk of this article deals with such cases. Robbery is the simplest and most common form of extortion, ...
, one count of bribery, one count of
conspiracy A conspiracy, also known as a plot, is a secret plan or agreement between persons (called conspirers or conspirators) for an unlawful or harmful purpose, such as murder or treason, especially with political motivation, while keeping their agre ...
, and three counts of money laundering involving the use of a sham corporation to hide the origin of the bribery payments.United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. (2007-12-08)
"Alaska State Representative Thomas T. Anderson indicted on charges of extortion, conspiracy, bribery and money laundering."
Press release. Retrieved on 2007-05-23. Also availabl
through ''Anchorage Daily News'' website
.

United States v. Anderson
''. Indictment. Case 3:06-cr-00099-JWS-JDR. Filed December 7, 2006 in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska. Retrieved on 2007-05-23.
Anderson was specifically accused of accepting a share of $26,000 from a private corrections company funneled to him through a shell corporation called Pacific Publishing that was set up by a lobbyist, identified in Anderson's charging documents as "Lobbyist A" and later identified as prominent Anchorage lobbyist Bill Bobrick, to disguise the source of payments. Unbeknownst to Anderson or Bobrick, their contact with the private corporation's company was a confidential source of the FBI working undercover.Mauer, Richard, Lisa Demer, and Tom Kizzia. (2006-12-09)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
According to federal prosecutors, the private corrections company — unidentified in the court documents but widely believed to be Cornell Companies — was not implicated in the plot, and had been unaware of the FBI investigation until Anderson's indictment and arrest. The confidential informant in the case was
Frank Prewitt James Franklin Prewitt (January 31, 1949 - September 7, 2020) was an American attorney and government affairs consultant. He was a confidential source upon whom the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) relied to help prosecute "Operation Polar ...
, a former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Corrections who took a job with Cornell Companies after it purchased Allvest. Two of the early private prisons venture partners were caught up in the ongoing Alaska political corruption probe leading to blogger and press speculation that Prewitt's service to the federal government may have been the result of a secret plea agreement although no formal charges were placed. He wore a wire to record conversations in meetings with probe targets. Court documents filed on March 22, 2010 in a criminal appeal indicated that Prewitt had been paid $200,000 for his assistance. The video of Prewitt making arrangements with Anderson was shown as evidence in the trial. Prewitt died on September 7, 2020 in Anchorage.


Prosecution

The case against Anderson was prosecuted by Nicholas A. Marsh and Edward P. Sullivan of the
Public Integrity Section The Public Integrity Section (PIN) is a section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice charged with combating political corruption at all levels of government through the prosecution of corrupt federal, state, and local electe ...
of the
U.S. Department of Justice The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), also known as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department of the United States government tasked with the enforcement of federal law and administration of justice in the United State ...
, as part of a larger probe of political corruption in Alaska,Mauer, Richard. (2006-09-11)
"Probe of Veco, lawmakers led by Justice Dept."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-11.
and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph W. Bottini and James A. Goeke of the District of Alaska. Nicholas A. Marsh, 37, committed suicide two years after being part of the Justice Department team that convicted Stevens on corruption charges that were eventually thrown out. A ruling against federal prosecutors by U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan in February 2012 included a report detailing "the systematic concealment of significant exculpatory evidence" and "widespread and at times intentional misconduct" by Justice Department lawyers during the prosecution of the late Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, be made public by March 15, 2012.


Defense

Anderson was represented by Anchorage attorney Paul Stockler, a former state prosecutor who usually handles civil litigation. Stockler successfully defended an Anchorage aviation company against federal weapons charges in a prominent case in 2006. Anderson had originally hoped to be represented by attorney Jeff Feldman, but Feldman's caseload, which included representation of BP in an investigation and prosecution arising out of an oil spill on Alaska's North Slope in 2006 made it impossible for him to take on Anderson's defense as well.Demer, Lisa. (2007-12-19)
"Anderson taps Stockler to handle his defense — Scheduling: Jeff Feldman was too busy to take the case."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-29.
A letter soliciting funds for the Tom Anderson Defense Fund was sent to about 100 individuals in February 2007Rudolph, Gene and Pat, Sherry Mettler, John and Amy Oney, John Floyd, Randall Brandt, and Chuck Edwards. (2007-02)
"The Tom Anderson Defense Fund".
Anchorage, AK. Retrieved on 2007-05-29.
in order to help Anderson defray legal costs, which it was estimated would cost up to $250,000 due to extensive pretrial preparation and a trial which was expected to last about two weeks.Demer, Lisa. (2007-03-08)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-03-08.


Bobrick charged, pled guilty

On May 14, 2007, William "Bill" Bobrick, a prominent municipal lobbyist in Anchorage and former executive director of the
Alaska Democratic Party The Alaska Democratic Party is the affiliate of the Democratic Party in Alaska, headquartered in Anchorage. It is one of two major parties in Alaska, alongside the Alaska Republican Party. The Democratic Party holds Alaska's at-large congres ...
, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, bribery, and money laundering in the same scheme for which Anderson was indicted the previous December. Bobrick was the creator of the shell corporation, Pacific Publishing, through which money was allegedly funneled to Anderson. Bobrick also received money through the scheme.Demer, Lisa. (2007-05-15)
"Bobrick charged with conspiracy in bribery probe."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
Bobrick appeared in U.S. District Court in Anchorage on May 16, where he entered a guilty plea. Bobrick will not be sentenced until after the trial of Tom Anderson, scheduled to begin June 25, where Bobrick will testify for the prosecution. Under sentencing guidelines Bobrick faced a possible 2 to years imprisonment, but his sentence was five months in prison and five months home confinement plus fines and community service.Demer, Lisa. (2007-05-17)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-05-23.


Trial and sentencing

Anderson's trial was originally scheduled to begin on February 12, 2007, was changed to April 9, 2007, and was later rescheduled to begin on June 25, 2007, in order to give Anderson's attorney sufficient time to review evidence.Demer, Lisa. (2007-03-28)

''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-03-29.
Jury selection for the trial began on June 25, 2007, drawing from a pool of 102 potential jurors from as far away as Dillingham and Bethel. Several potential jurors were challenged because they had already made judgments about Anderson's guilt or innocence or for other reasons. One potential juror was excluded because she had researched Anderson on Wikipedia.Demer, Lisa. (2007-06-26)
"Choosing Anderson jury proves to be a tricky undertaking — Bribery trial: Opinions and knowledge keep potentials out, but dating the defendant is fine."
''Anchorage Daily News''. Retrieved on 2007-06-26.
On July 9, 2007, after a half-day of deliberations and another half of a day to come to their conclusions, a jury found Anderson guilty on all seven charges of
extortion Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion. In most jurisdictions it is likely to constitute a criminal offence; the bulk of this article deals with such cases. Robbery is the simplest and most common form of extortion, ...
, bribery,
conspiracy A conspiracy, also known as a plot, is a secret plan or agreement between persons (called conspirers or conspirators) for an unlawful or harmful purpose, such as murder or treason, especially with political motivation, while keeping their agre ...
and money laundering. Anderson said he would appeal the verdict, claiming that, ""The prosecution has criminalized being a legislator over this past year. And I think I fell victim to that." His sentencing was scheduled for October 2, 2007, but was delayed until October 14, 2007. Anderson faced a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the extortion counts; 20 years and a $500,000 fine on each of the money laundering counts; 10 years and a $250,000 fine on the bribery count; and five years and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy count. He was ultimately sentenced to a term of 60 months in prison and was required to surrender to the Federal Prison Camp in
Sheridan, Oregon Sheridan is a city in Yamhill County, Oregon, United States. Platted in the 1860s when it received a post office, the city was incorporated in 1880. A major fire burned much of the city in 1913, and a flood covered much of the city in 1964. The po ...
, on December 3, 2007. Anderson was released from FCI Sheridan on February 1, 2011. He was designated to a Federal Community Corrections Center (halfway house) in Seattle, Washington until May 2011 and then returned home to Anchorage.


Personal

In 2020, while Anderson was serving time in Oregon, his second wife, State Senator Lesil McGuire, divorced him.Alaska Ear
''
Anchorage Daily News The ''Anchorage Daily News'' is a daily newspaper published by the Binkley Co., and based in Anchorage, Alaska. It is the most widely read newspaper and news website (adn.com) in the state of Alaska. The newspaper is headquartered in Anchorag ...
''. Sheila Toomey, January 31, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2022.


See also

*
Alaska political corruption probe The Alaska political corruption probe refers to a 2003 to 2010 widespread investigation by the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service into political corr ...


Notes


References

*
United States v. Anderson
'. Indictment. Case 3:06-cr-00099-JWS-JDR. Filed December 7, 2006 in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska. Retrieved on 2007-05-23. * United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. (2007-12-08)

Press release. Retrieved on 2007-05-23. Also available ttps://web.archive.org/web/20071007053030/http://www.adn.com/static/includes/fbi_raid/anderson_press_release.pdf through ''Anchorage Daily News'' website


External links


"Corrupt Republican Anderson begs for mercy."
Continuing coverage of Alaska's Republican legislator scandal from '' AlaskaReport News''.
" FBI investigations into Alaska politics."
Continuing coverage on public corruption in Alaska from the ''
Anchorage Daily News The ''Anchorage Daily News'' is a daily newspaper published by the Binkley Co., and based in Anchorage, Alaska. It is the most widely read newspaper and news website (adn.com) in the state of Alaska. The newspaper is headquartered in Anchorag ...
''.
Tom Anderson
at ''100 Years of Alaska's Legislature'' {{DEFAULTSORT:Anderson, Tom 1967 births Alaska politicians convicted of crimes American lobbyists American money launderers Businesspeople from Alaska Hamline University School of Law alumni Living people Republican Party members of the Alaska House of Representatives Politicians convicted of extortion under color of official right Radio personalities from Alaska School board members in Alaska University of Alaska Anchorage alumni 21st-century American politicians