The Justice Department added new charges Thursday to the already extensive 35-count indictment against Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Ariz.), including racketeering and filing a false tax return.
As outlined in a superceding indictment, Renzi now faces 44-counts of violating federal laws.
Renzi is alleged to have used his legislative position to push a land deal to benefit a former business partner who owed him money. Renzi also is alleged to have embezzled money from his familys insurance firm to finance his first campaign.
Federal prosecutors also added a new defendant to the case Thursday, Dwayne Lequire, an accountant who worked for Renzis insurance agency.
Renzi, who is scheduled to go on trial in late March 2009, did not seek re-election to his 1st district seat. He has pleaded not guilty.
