A group called Justice for Jefferson will hold a news conference Wednesday condemning the FBI and Justice Department for using indicted Rep. William Jefferson (D) as a “scapegoat.”

Noting that Jefferson easily won re-election in the New Orleans-based 2nd district last year, the group accused the law enforcement agencies of trying to influence last year’s election.

“These agencies have used their vast financial resources to manipulate the media,” the group claimed in a news release. “Remember that in 2006, the FBI, Justice Department and major local media determined that they would decide who represented our citizens in Congress.”

Because numerous Congressmen have had their business dealings scrutinized by the FBI and Justice Department, “why is there no focus on them?” the group asked.

It was not clear whom the committee represents, but New Orleans attorney Danatus King is serving as its spokesman.

— Nicole Duran