Kris Alingod - AHN Contributor
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ), who is facing a 35-count indictment for money laundering and wire fraud, was charged with eight-count indictment on Thursday including racketeering.
Renzi, a three-term congressman who announced his retirement last year, was indicted in February on 35 counts including conspiracy, extortion, money laundering and insurance fraud.
He is accused of being involved in two land deals, including one to exchange federally protected mining land with land that could be commercially developed. Prosecutors say he gained more than $700,000 from the deal.
A spokesman for the 50-year old lawmaker has told AZCentral that the new charges are "unwarranted" and an attempt "to try to coerce Congressman Renzi into a guilty plea."
Article © AHN - All Rights Reserved
|
