Arizona Representative Rick Renzi was indicted today by a Federal grand jury on 35 counts of that include conspiracy, wire fraud, official extortion, and money laundering.
This was divulged on court papers released on Friday according to Reuters. This was part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and US Attorney Diane Humetewa in Phoenix. She plans on giving a press conference later on today regarding the indictment as well as the charges.
The indictment stems from supposed plans by Renzi and an associate to benefit from a land-exchange plan. Renzi would then support any type of legislation that would help this project go through.
"It was an object of the conspiracy for Renzi to enrich (his associate) and personally benefit himself," the indictment said.
It also accuses Renzi of embezzling premiums from clients of an insurance business to fund his congressional campaign.
Renzi was first elected in 2002 and is in his second term. He also currently one of the leaders of John McCain’s Arizona presidential campaign. Renzi also announced today that he does not plan to seek reelection.