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Arizona GOP lawmaker indicted
Rep. Rick Renzi, an Arizona Republican, has been indicted on federal charges following an investigation into his relationship with a former business partner regarding land deals, the Justice Department said Friday. In a 35-count indictment, Renzi is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and insurance fraud. Federal investigators also were looking at whether Renzi's father was enriched by the lawmaker's relationship with the ex-business partner, according to the indictment. Renzi has been under an ethical cloud since the FBI raided a family business last year. The FBI said it was investigating whether the congressman had used his office for personal gain. He stepped down from the House Intelligence Committee in April after the raid. Renzi has denied any wrongdoing. Renzi, a three-term member of the House, announced in August that he would not seek re-election. He represents Arizona's 1st Congressional District. Federal prosecutors have scheduled a news conference Friday morning in Phoenix, Arizona, to announce details of the charges. Posted by: gorb 2008-02-22 |
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