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Arizona Rep. Renzi Indicted Over Land Deal

Charged with 35 counts of conspiracy, extortion, money laundering

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 22, 2008 10:21 AM CST

(Newser) – Rep. Rick Renzi has racked up a 35-count indictment, including federal charges of conspiracy, extortion, wire fraud, insurance fraud, and money laundering, CNN reports. The Arizona Republican and two ex-business partners worked to sell land that buyers could then trade for federally-owned property, the AP reports; the sale brought one of Renzi’s co-conspirators $4.5 million.

Earlier this year the FBI raided a Renzi family business, raising some eyebrows. The bureau is looking into whether the three-term congressman levied his federal position to bring home benefits. Renzi hasn’t admitted guilt, but he has said he will not run for re-election.

President Bush, left, is introduced by Rep. Rick Renzi of Arizona, before speaking at a Republican fundraiser, Oct. 4, 2006 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Renzi has been indicted for extortion, wire fraud, money... (Associated Press)

Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz. waits to speak at a Republican fundraiser in Scottsdale, Ariz., in this Oct. 4, 2006 file photo. Renzi has been indicted for extortion, wire fraud, money laundering and other... (Associated Press)

US Republican Representative from Arizona Rick Renzi, gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, Sunday, April 1, 2007. Renzi has been indicted for... (Associated Press)

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Arizona Rep. Renzi Indicted Over Land Deal

Charged with 35 counts of conspiracy, extortion, money laundering

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