U.S. Rep. Fattah soliciting donations to fund criminal defense
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Indicted U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah is soliciting donations to help foot the bill for his legal defense.
The 11-term Philadelphia Democrat launched a fundraising website this week for what he’s calling the Preservation of Public Service Legal Trust.
The site said the $25 to $5,000 contributions will ensure Fattah has “the best people and resources” to defend his name and work.
Federal prosecutors said Fattah paid off an illegal $1 million campaign loan with federal grants and charitable donations, and funneled campaign funds toward his son’s student loan.
Fattah tells The Philadelphia Inquirer the legal defense fund is similar to one set up last year by Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey.
Fattah’s website also allows people to give money to his 2016 re-election campaign.