In this 2009 photo, Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., speaks at a Congressional Black Caucus event.(Photo: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors announced criminal charges Wednesday against Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., alleging that the 11-term Philadelphia congressman conspired with others to hide a $1 million loan from a wealthy donor to his unsuccessful 2007 campaign for mayor of Philadelphia.
Fattah told reporters Wednesday that he has not been involved in any wrongdoing, but that he has not yet seen the indictment. 'There is a lot for us to digest," he said, noting that the investigation has been going on for many years.
The 29-count indictment alleges that Fattah arranged to have a nonprofit organization that he founded and controlled pay back the loan using federal grant money and charitable donations.
In addition, the indictment alleges that Fattah agreed to help a campaign consultant pursue federal grant money to offset Fattah's $130,000 debt to the consultant.
Prosecutors also allege that Fattah used campaign funds to pay off his son's student loan debt.
"As charged in the indictment, Congressman Fattah and his associates embarked on a wide-ranging conspiracy involving bribery, concealment of unlawful campaign contributions and theft of charitable and federal funds to advance their own personal interests," said Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell.
"By misusing campaign funds, misappropriating government funds, accepting bribes, and committing bank fraud, as alleged in the Indictment, Congressman Fattah and his co-conspirators have betrayed the public trust and undermined faith in government," said U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Fattah denied the charges. “As I have previously stated, I have never participated in any illegal activity or misappropriation of taxpayer dollars as an elected official," he said in a statement released by his office.<span style="color: Red;">*</span>"For the last 21 years, I have represented the people of Philadelphia in Congress with honor and dignity, helping millions of families through my efforts focused on education, employment, mortgage relief, and health care. I will proudly continue to serve my constituents and look forward to helping millions more."
USA TODAY
Former adviser to Rep. Fattah pleads guilty to fraud
Last fall, Fattah's political adviser Thomas Lindenfeld pleaded guilty to using his consulting firm to hide the $1 million loan.
Fattah said he would recuse himself from his leadership position on the House Appropriations Committee, where he serves as the senior Democrat on a subcommittee overseeing the Justice Department budget. He also serves as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told MSNBC he suspected Fattah would also step down from that position while the charges are pending.
"I hope things come out well for him," Clyburn said.
“The charges in the indictment against Congressman Chaka Fattah are deeply saddening, said<span style="color: Red;">*</span>House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "Congressman Fattah has been a tireless and effective advocate for America’s hard-working families across more than 20 years of distinguished service in the House."
Exactly one year ago, Fattah's son was<span style="color: Red;">*</span>indicted on charges of<span style="color: Red;">*</span>falsifying documents from companies he owned to qualify for bank loans. That case is still working its way through the courts. The son
has argued that the case against him is part of a long-running attempt by prosecutors<span style="color: Red;">*</span>to take down his father.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson
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