The WSJ reports that Ann Copland pleaded guilty today in the latest charges (honest services fraud) to arise in the Abramoff scandal.

The charges brought against Ms. Copland say she knew there were rules governing the conduct of employees of the U.S. Senate — specifically rules prohibiting soliciting gifts from anyone seeking official action or doing business with the employee — but accepted them anyway.

Nineteen people, including Jack Abramoff, have pleaded guilty or are awaiting trial as a result of the investigation. Mr. Abramoff was sentenced in September 2008 to 48 months in prison. 

The DOJ press release is here.

A former congressional staffer pleaded guilty today to conspiring with others to commit honest services fraud, Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin of the Criminal Division announced.