PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Opening statements are expected Monday in the federal corruption trial of a veteran Pennsylvania congressman.
U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah is accused of accepting bribes and misusing campaign funds and federal grants to enrich his family and friends.
An indictment alleges the 59-year-old Fattah took an illegal $1 million campaign loan for his failed 2007 mayoral campaign and misused federal funds to pay it back.
Fattah says the FBI unfairly targeted him.
The 11-term Democrat has represented the Philadelphia region for two decades and served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. He lost his recent primary bid for reelection.