FBI agents searched the congressional office of Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana Saturday evening in connection with a public corruption investigation that has already netted two guilty pleas by two associates, authorities said. The search began at 7:15 p.m. EDT in the Rayburn House Office Building, where Jefferson's office is located, said Debra Weierman, an FBI spokeswoman. It was not clear what agents were looking for and Weierman said she could provide no additional details because the affidavit supporting the search warrant was sealed. But she indicated the search could take several hours. Jefferson's lawyer, Robert Trout, complained that FBI agents refused to allow him or the general counsel of the House of Representatives to witness the search. |