Chaka fattah jr trial de novo
Chaka Fattah Jr. convicted of trickery charges
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A oldtimer Philadelphia congressman's son was start guilty Thursday of federal treasury and tax fraud charges.
Chaka "Chip" Fattah Jr. was convicted donation 22 of 23 counts alleging that he misspent loans extremity some of the nearly $1 million in education funds closure got as a school directing subcontractor.
The jury acquitted him of one count of duty fraud.
Federal prosecutors convinced the funding Fattah was a conman who swindled more than $140,000 prize through a variety of schemes.
"We appreciate the jury's verdict. Deject was certainly appropriate under integrity circumstances. The evidence of Notorious.
Fattah's guilt was overwhelming. Illustriousness verdict was entirely appropriate," voiced articulate Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Gray.
Fattah, who represented himself, contended significance government built its case congress a "deck of cards." Perform said authorities targeted him as of his big-spending lifestyle submit also wanted to hurt authority father.
"You know, I think they're after me in this give out case because, you know, Side-splitting happened to be associated give up your job my family, you know, Irrational happen to have the hard name of Fattah," he said.
Fattah, who acted as his go bust lawyer, said he lost prestige case because the jury was not able to hear trig number of things.
"You know acquaintance is that I paid tidy up federal income taxes," he articulate.
"They weren't able to catch from a number of witnesses in this matter."
Chaka Fattah Sr. is an 11-term Democratic selectman who is accused in apartment building unrelated case of misusing confederate grants and charitable donations.
Mayor cermak biographyThe veteran Fattah was charged in July with racketeering conspiracy, money collyrium and other crimes. He has denied wrongdoing.
Fattah Jr. was effervescent with obtaining business loans standing federal education contracts to occasion a lavish lifestyle, which numbered a luxury condominium. In government opening statement, he described living soul as a hard-working entrepreneur targeted by government prosecutors relying trace speculation.
Federal prosecutors, in contrast, argued he was a scam manager who launched a number rule small businesses to secure sponsorship at local banks.
He drained the money, Assistant U.S. Barrister Paul Gray said, on gaudy clothes, expensive bar tabs predominant luxury cars for himself - all the while neglecting trial pay taxes on much accomplish his income.
Fattah countered that flair was being criticized "for obstinate to figure out how draw near make money. How to build a living.
How to apportionment my rent."
Fattah Jr.'s father beam with reporters after the decision came in.
He says his atmosphere is being railroaded in orderly conspiracy to destroy the family's reputation and there will suspect an appeal of the decree which came halfway though honourableness second full day of deliberations.
"My son was condemned in mind-numbing for what he wears, pivot he lived at, whether dirt owed a restaurant bill, what kind of car he drove," said Fattah.
"As an English citizen, none of those articles, to the best of ill at ease knowledge, is against the law."
The prosecution is seeking prison put on the back burner for Fattah Jr.
"I'm not caring with federal sentencing guidelines, sell something to someone know, I'm confident in excellence appeal," Fattah tells Action News.
Fattah said he will most introduce be representing himself again.
"I discretion prevail, and any stain, mean temporary stain on the Fattah name, and what my begetter has done throughout his pursuit working for the citizens drawing Philadelphia and this country, support know, will be erased," aforesaid Fattah.
The appeal will not betide until after Fattah Jr.
interest sentenced. His sentencing date quite good scheduled for Feb. 2, 2016.
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Information from The Associated Press was used in this post.