Arizona GOP lawmaker indicted

22 Feb 2008 // Rep. Rick Renzi, an Arizona Republican, has been indicted on federal charges following an investigation into his relationship with a former business partner regarding land deals, the Justice Department said Friday.
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Rep. Rick Renzi, shown in Baghdad, Iraq, in April 2007, is a three-term congressman from Arizona.

In a 35-count indictment, Renzi is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and insurance fraud.

Federal investigators also were looking at whether Renzi's father was enriched by the lawmaker's relationship with the ex-business partner, according to the indictment.

Renzi has been under an ethical cloud ever since the FBI raided a family business earlier this year.

He stepped down from the House Intelligence Committee in April after the raid.

Renzi has denied any wrongdoing.

Renzi, a three-term member of the House, announced in August that he would not seek re-election. He represents Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

Federal prosecutors have scheduled a news conference Friday morning in Phoenix, Arizona, to announce details of the charges.