Posted: 2:13 PM Jun 7, 2012
Reporter: James Buechele

Jack Abramoff Speaks In Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, FL--- June 7, 2012 --

Jack Abramoff didn't come to Tallahassee to apologize, although he did to the crowd of about 200.

The former Washington lobbyist spent four years in federal prison on charges of bribing public officials, mail fraud and tax evasion.

"People are concerned about the amount of money that's in the system and how people, like I, was using money to impact and influence legislation," Abramoff told WCTV after his speech.

He now speaks across the country to groups about ways to make the system of money in politics more transparent. Abramoff says he volunteers his time to speak with FBI agents in order to help teach about corruption.

"Our guests were really interested in hearing his perspectives of reforms that are necessary to make our system a little bit better," said Tim Center, president of Capital Tiger Bay Club.

Abramoff's visit couldn't come at a better time. A recent study by the group, Integrity Florida, says the Sunshine State is the most corrupt in the country. The man who was the poster child of corruption in Washington, says more reform bills need to be passed and followed for money to stay out of big political decisions.

"It has to be complete and total and there can't be loopholes because people will drive trucks through them."

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