Ex-Legislator Hansen Freed After 6 Months

Former U.S. Rep. George Hansen, paroled after serving less than half of his 15-month sentence for filing false financial disclosure statements, was released from prison Friday.

Saying six months in prison was “not something I would have wanted, but something I will profit from,” the Idaho Republican said he had learned a great deal first-hand about prison problems. He pledged to work “to help people who are victims of government.”

“My career hasn’t changed,” Hansen said. “I’m still in politics. There’s a lot to be done for people.”

Won’t Rule Out Public Office

Hansen, who was not specific about his future plans, did not rule out running again for elective office. He lost his bid for a fourth term in Congress by 170 votes in 1984 after being convicted of violating the 1978 Ethics in Government Act for failing to disclose more than $300,000 in loans and other income.

Hansen, the first congressman prosecuted under the law, said: “I have no remorse. I don’t see how I could have been more careful (in filing the financial statements).”

The former congressman, who said his weight was down to 250 pounds from 326 pounds, said one of the problems at the Federal Correctional Institution at Petersburg was contaminated food.

He was occasionally ill, he said, adding that he suspected food contamination from poor handling and cleanup was to blame.

David Chapman, a prison administrator, denied that food contamination was a problem.