Sen. Stevens of Alaska Faces Criminal Charges

Sen. Ted Stevens from Alaska, the longest serving U.S. Republican senator ever, was indicted today on seven counts of making false statements, according to a federal grand jury indictment.

The U.S. Justice Department has scheduled a news conference for 1:20 p.m.E.T. to make an announcement "regarding a significant criminal matter."

A federal law enforcement official said the news conference would discuss the criminal charges against Stevens.

UPDATE: Stevens was charged on Tuesday with concealing more than $250,000 of gifts, including home renovations, from an Alaska oil services company, the Justice Department said.

The indictment also charged that he received a new vehicle in exchange for an older one worth far less, and household goods such as furniture and a new gas range, the Justice Department said.