Top Democrat Announces Resignation Following Fraud Conviction

Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., who was convicted earlier this week of charges including racketeering, bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud, has announced his resignation, effective on Thursday, Politico reported.

Responding to the news of the conviction Tuesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a statement Wednesday calling for Fattah to step down immediately. “Mr. Fattah has betrayed the trust of this institution and the people of Pennsylvania, and for that he should resign immediately from the House of Representatives,” Ryan said. “We must hold members to the highest ethical standard, and I hope that Democratic leaders will join me in seeking his immediate resignation.”

Fattah had previously stated he would resign in October; however, in a letter on Thursday to the speaker, Fattah wrote, “In my previous letter I indicated a later resignation date in order to provide for an orderly transition of my office after 21 years of service in the House. However, out of respect for the entire House Leadership, and so as not to cause a distraction from the House’s work for the people, I have changed my effective date.”

In a Philadelphia courthouse on Tuesday, a jury found Fattah guilty of numerous federal charges, including bribery and money laundering.

Since several of the charges carry a 20-year sentence, Fattah could face life in prison. Sentencing is set to take place in October.

In a statement shortly after his conviction, Fattah said, “Today’s decision notwithstanding, it has been my privilege to serve the constituents of the Second Congressional District for over 20 years.”

It is reported that Fattah, along with some of his co-defendants, illegally obtained a $1 million loan in 2007, which they helped repay by using federal and charitable funds.

At the time of his indictment in July 2015, Fattah was the top Democratic representative on the Appropriations Committee.

Included in the indictment were Herbert Vederman, Robert Brand, Karen Nicholas and Bonnie Bowser.

Fattah’s son, Chaka Fattah Jr., is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for bank fraud and tax fraud. (For more from the author of “Top Democrat Announces Resignation Following Fraud Conviction” please click HERE)

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