Former White House aide guilty of lying to FBI and jury

Former White House aide I Lewis “Scooter” Libby was convicted today of obstruction, perjury and lying to the FBI in an investigation into the leak of a CIA operative’s identity.

Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, was accused of lying and obstructing the investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame’s identity to reporters.

He was acquitted of one count of lying to the FBI.

Libby had little reaction to the verdict.

He stood expressionless as the jury left the room.

The verdict was read on the 10th day of deliberations.

Libby faces up to 30 years in prison, though under federal sentencing guidelines likely will receive far less.

US District Judge Reggie Walton ordered a pre-sentencing report be completed by May 15.

Judges use such reports to help determine sentences.

Libby faced two counts of perjury, two counts of lying to the FBI and one count of obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors said he discussed Plame’s name with reporters and, fearing prosecution, made up a story to make those discussions seem innocuous.