Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Arizona) was indicted today on 35 criminal counts stemming from a land deal in his home state.
The charges include extortion, wire fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors say Renzi, 49, used his public office to arrange and promote a federal land swap that would benefit himself and business associates.
"Among the allegations contained in the indictment, Congressman Renzi misused his public office by forcing a land sale that would financially benefit himself and a business associate, and in so doing, he betrayed the trust of the citizens of Arizona," said U.S. Attorney Diane Humetewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona.
Renzi's district includes parts of the Navajo Nation and some Apache reservations. After being elected in 2002, his first bill in Congress was to settle a Zuni water rights claim. He is a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over Indian issues, and is the Republican co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.
Renzi, who was also tied to the controversy over the firing of several U.S. Attorneys, including Humetewa's former boss, already announced he isn't seeking re-election this year.
Get the Story:Rep. Renzi indicted over Arizona land deal (The Arizona Republic 2/22)
Secrecy, scandal cloud Renzi era (The Arizona Republic 2/22)
Rep. Renzi indicted on fraud, finance charges (Reuters 2/22)
Arizona Rep. Renzi Indicted in Land Swap Investigation (CQ.Com 2/22) Relevant Documents:
Press Release | Indictment | MP3: Press Conference Relevant Links:
Rep. Rick Renzi - http://www.house.gov/renzi Related Stories:
Rep. Renzi, under investigation, won't run in 2008 (8/24)
Land swap bill opposed by tribes reintroduced (07/25)
Navajo Nation Council won't hear from Democrats (07/18)
Tribes shell out cash for embattled Rep. Renzi (07/17)
Arizona tribes unite to oppose proposed copper mine (06/21)
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Apache woman jumps into Congressional race (05/21)
Apache woman to run for Rep. Renzi's seat (5/10)
Land transfer tied to Rep. Renzi under scrutiny (5/9)
Editorial: Land transfer a vital deal for Arizona (5/9)
Rep. Renzi denies rumors of resignation amid probe (4/30)
Rep. Renzi said to be considering resignation (4/27)
Aide to Rep. Renzi called ousted U.S. Attorney (4/26)
Rep. Renzi steps down from Resources Committee (4/25)
Rep. Renzi steps down from panel after FBI raid (4/20)
A new co-chair for Native American Caucus (01/26)
Rep. Renzi seeks funds for Navajo-Hopi efforts (12/07)
Letter: Rep. Renzi insulted Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation (11/08)
Preliminary investigation into Renzi land deal (10/25)
Navajo Democrat upset over Renzi 'endorsement' (10/09)
Cobell endorses Republican Renzi in Arizona (10/27)
Navajo Nation council nearly endorses Renzi rival (10/20)
Renzi wins endorsement of Navajo Nation Council (10/19)
Navajo council asked to choose Renzi over Babbitt (09/14)
