Rick Renzi, indicted while serving the 1st Congressional District at its congressman between 2003 and 2009, has been found guilty by a federal jury of 17 felony charges related to embezzlement, as reported by Arizona Central.
Renzi faced a total of 32 felony charges that included: conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, racketeering, money laundering and making false statements to insurance regulators.
The verdict was handed down on the former congressman's 55th birthday, June 11, 2013.
The U.S. District Court jury deliberated for approximately two and one-half days following an almost month-long trial.
Renzi has been allowed his freedom pending his August 19 sentencing according to Judge David Bury.
Renzi refused to comment to reporters as he exited the court. Kelly Kramer, the defense co-counsel, later released a statement that read, "We are pleased that the jury acquitted Mr. Renzi on 15 counts. We are disappointed by every guilty verdict. We will continue to fight these charges, including on appeal."
Another statement, released by acting Assistant U.S. Attorney General Mythili Raman, said that Renzi's "streak of criminal activity was a betrayal of the public trust and abuse of the political process." Raman was also quoted for saying that Renzi had "years of misconduct" under his belt.
Renzi's co-defendant – also a friend and former business partner of his – was found guilty of 13 felonies that stemmed from the same criminal activities. The two men are expected to be sentenced at the same time.
Along with serving as congressman Renzi held a seat on the Intelligence Committee – which was considered a prestigious appointment. He held both positions when the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service began their investigations, which was then followed by an indictment by a federal grand jury.
During the five years of pretrial litigation Renzi's attorneys argued that charges should be thrown out. The attorneys claimed that the FBI violated the congressman's constitutional protections allowed by his political position.
The FBI, however, cited two conspiracies: Renzi allegedly embezzled money from his clients through his insurance brokerage, and then used the money for his campaign. Renzi also proceeded to fraudulently cover up what he had done.
The second conspiracy alleged by the FBI involved extortion in a federal land exchange scheme. Two different potential buyers were confronted with Renzi's demand that they purchase other land that was not desired in the swap.
Renzi's lawyers argued that the alleged embezzlement was lawful and the land exchange scheme was made in an effort to protect an area of land from foreclosure. The lawyers further argued that Renzi was a victim of overenthusiastic federal authorities.
According to prosecutors the charges carry between five and 20 years of prison time. For some of the charges, such as lying to insurance regulators and money laundering, Renzi could face up to 10 years in prison on each charge.
If you are facing criminal charges contact a criminal defense attorney right away so that you enter court with a solid defense.
