![Fed Prosecutor Portrays Ex-Congressman Jefferson As Shakedown Artist](https://ticklethewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/jefferson-sketch.jpg)
Fed Prosecutor Portrays Ex-Congressman Jefferson As Shakedown Artist
By Rachel Leven and Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A federal prosecutor in opening statements Tuesday morning portrayed ex-Rep. William J. Jefferson as a shakedown artist desperate for money to cover his messy finances that included $40,000 in bank overdraft fees and penalties and a $62,000 credit card debt. “It is a startling and…