Former Ambassador Escapes Prison Sentence in Lobbying Scandal

Former U.S. ambassador Richard G. Olson Jr. has been sentenced to three years probation and a $93,350 fine for violating federal lobbying and ethics laws. Olson, who pleaded guilty to two federal misdemeanors, failed to disclose receiving an $18,000 first-class ticket and illicitly lobbied for the government of Qatar. While investigating a related case, the FBI uncovered embarrassing incidents from Olson's past, including undisclosed gifts and extramarital affairs. Despite not receiving a prison sentence, the judge stated that Olson had lost integrity in the eyes of the American public.