Accessory After the Fact

TITLE 18 § 3. Accessory after the fact Whoever, knowing that an offense against the United States has been committed, receives, relieves, comforts or assists the offender in order to hinder or prevent his apprehension, trial or punishment, is an accessory after the fact. Except as otherwise expressly provided by any Act of Congress, an accessory after the fact shall be imprisoned not more than one-half the maximum term of imprisonment or (notwithstanding section 3571) fined not more than one-half the maximum fine prescribed for the punishment of the principal, or both; or if the principal is punishable by life imprisonment or death, the accessory shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years. There's a batch of prominent names who would be well advised to lawyer up: Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL) Chairman of the House Page Board Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-NY) - head of the NRCC John Boehner (R-Ohio) House Majority Leader J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) House Speaker (and members of his office staff) Tom DeLay (R-TX) Ex-House Majority Leader Roy Blunt (R-MO.) House Majority Whip Rep. Alexander (R-LA)