Congressman Michael Grimm is expected to be charged by a federal jury in Brooklyn in fraud case, law enforcement officials reveal.
Grimm, a Republican representative from New York, is believed to be indicted for a private business deal that happened before he was elected to Congress.
In a written statement, Grimm's attorney William McGinley confirmed that the 44-year-old politician will face criminal charges. "We are disappointed by the government's decision, but hardly surprised. From the beginning, the government has pursued a politically driven vendetta against Congressman Grimm and not an independent search for the truth," he said. "Congressman Grimm asserts his innocence of any wrongdoing. When the dust settles, he will be vindicated."
However, it is not yet clear what charges would be pressed against Grimm, who was under scanner for his election campaign finances. The Washington Post report stated that FBI investigated the matter for years and arrested Diana Durand January this year. Former girlfriend of Grimm, Durand was charged with making illegal contributions, making contributions in someone else's name and providing false statements to the FBI.
Grimm, a former U.S. Marine and FBI special agent, was elected to the Congress in 2010. Politico reports that the indictment might make matters worse for the Republicans. The dates for filing nominations for state elections have been closed. This means that the House of GOP will be stuck with him on the ballot. Grimm is serving his second term representing Staten Island.
Grimm made headlines again for wrong reasons this January. He threatened a news reporter from NY1 channel after being asked on campaign financial violation. Grimm said that he would break the reported in half, "like a boy." The reporter Michael Scotto later said that Grimm seemed angrier than any other politician he had seen answering an uncomfortable question. He also said he would not take action against Grimm.
