Congressman Fattah Found Guilty Of Conspiracy: U.S. Attorney

Philadelphia, PA -- U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) has been found guilty of conspiracy and all charges against him, according to the U.S. Attorney.

The Philadelphia congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) had been indicted and charged in connection with a bribery and money laundering scheme in July, authorities said.

Fattah, who represents Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District, has been charged with bribery; conspiracy to commit wire, honest services, bank and mail fraud; money laundering and other charges, U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger announced Wednesday.

The charges stem from an alleged racketeering case in which authorities say Fattah misappropriated federal and charitable money as well as campaign funds after a failed bid for mayor in 2007, officials said.

Authorities say Fattah and his associates used numerous schemes to misuse hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The 58-year-old congressman allegedly accepted an illegal loan for $1 million to fund his campaign and then repaid some of it using money from a nonprofit he founded.

Four others were also found guilty of participating in the racketeering conspiracy, authorities said.

Fattah, Robert Brand, 70, of Philadelphia, Karen Nicholas, 58, of Williamstown, NJ, and Herbert Vederman, 70, of Palm Beach, Florida were all convicted, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Bowser was acquitted of the RICO conspiracy but convicted on other related charges.

U.S. District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III scheduled sentencing hearings for October 4, 2016 for Fattah, Vederman and Brand; and October 5, 2016 for Nicholas and Bowser.

“Congressman Fattah corruptly abused his office for his own personal and political gain,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell in a statement. “He took bribes, committed fraud and even stole money from his own campaigns. In short, Congressman Fattah and his codefendants deprived the people of eastern Pennsylvania of their right to the honest services of their elected representative. Today’s convictions should send a message that the Justice Department will vigorously investigate and prosecute political corruption wherever it takes place, and uphold the principles of honesty and integrity that are the foundation of our government.”

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