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| Former Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi. |
Without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld his conviction on charges of extortion, fraud, conspiracy and racketeering. He began serving his three-year prison term in February.
Renzi had argued that members of Congress are entitled to certain constitutional protections from being questioned about their official acts. And that generally would extend to members of the congressman’s staff.
But in a ruling last year, the 9th U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals said Renzi opened the door when he attempted to use his own legislative acts as a defense in the criminal case. And that, the judge said, allowed prosecutors to then question Renzi’s staffers about the acts to make their case that he was lying.
“A congressman cannot claim the protections of the privilege when he himself introduces the volatile evidence,” wrote Judge Richard Tallman for the appellate court.
The main charge relates to efforts by Resolution Copper Co. to acquire land from the federal government it needs to begin mining near Superior. Read More: AZ Capital Times
