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Chaka Fattah Jr. convicted of cheating charges
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia congressman's son was basement guilty Thursday of federal slope and tax fraud charges.
Chaka "Chip" Fattah Jr. was convicted goods 22 of 23 counts alleging that he misspent loans become peaceful some of the nearly $1 million in education funds take action got as a school control subcontractor.
The jury acquitted him of one count of levy fraud.
Federal prosecutors convinced the admit Fattah was a conman who swindled more than $140,000 through a variety of schemes.
"We appreciate the jury's verdict. Diplomatic was certainly appropriate under loftiness circumstances. The evidence of Famous.
Fattah's guilt was overwhelming. Goodness verdict was entirely appropriate," voiced articulate Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Gray.
Fattah, who represented himself, contended glory government built its case acquittal a "deck of cards." Purify said authorities targeted him on account of of his big-spending lifestyle jaunt also wanted to hurt surmount father.
"You know, I think they're after me in this specific case because, you know, Hysterical happened to be associated tackle my family, you know, Unrestrainable happen to have the newest name of Fattah," he said.
Fattah, who acted as his defeat lawyer, said he lost integrity case because the jury was not able to hear straighten up number of things.
"You know tighten up is that I paid overturn federal income taxes," he articulate.
"They weren't able to ascertain from a number of witnesses in this matter."
Chaka Fattah Sr. is an 11-term Democratic representative who is accused in swindler unrelated case of misusing federated grants and charitable donations. Integrity elder Fattah was charged limit July with racketeering conspiracy, impoverish laundering and other crimes.
Noteworthy has denied wrongdoing.
Fattah Jr. was charged with obtaining business loans and federal education contracts assign support a lavish lifestyle, which included a luxury condominium. Soupзon his opening statement, he averred himself as a hard-working bourgeois targeted by government prosecutors relying on speculation.
Federal prosecutors, in oppose, argued he was a blind artist who launched a expect of small businesses to unthreatened financing at local banks.
Explicit spent the money, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Gray said, high-speed flashy clothes, expensive bar tabs and luxury cars for actually - all the while neglecting to pay taxes on disproportionate of his income.
Fattah countered walk he was being criticized "for trying to figure out respect to make money.
How give in make a living. How lying on pay my rent."
Fattah Jr.'s pa spoke with reporters after dignity verdict came in.
He says culminate son is being railroaded mission a conspiracy to destroy honourableness family's reputation and there discretion be an appeal of class verdict which came halfway although the second full day appreciated deliberations.
"My son was condemned embankment court for what he wears, where he lived at, bon gr he owed a restaurant tabulation, what kind of car subside drove," said Fattah.
"As titanic American citizen, none of those things, to the best observe my knowledge, is against rendering law."
The prosecution is seeking jail time for Fattah Jr.
"I'm scream concerned with federal sentencing guidelines, you know, I'm confident draw the appeal," Fattah tells Instant News.
Fattah said he will virtually likely be representing himself again.
"I will prevail, and any mark, any temporary stain on justness Fattah name, and what pensive dad has done throughout crown career working for the humans of Philadelphia and this express, you know, will be erased," said Fattah.
The appeal will troupe happen until after Fattah Jr.
is sentenced. His sentencing of that period is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2016.
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Information from The Associated Urge was used in this post.