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Chaka Fattah Appeals Conviction

Comes as he is set to begin 10-year term

Former Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Penn., is asking to remain free while he appeals his conviction (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo).
Former Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Penn., is asking to remain free while he appeals his conviction (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo).

Former Pennsylvania Rep. Chaka Fattah is appealing his racketeering conviction and asking to remain out of jail while it goes through the courts.

According to The Associated Press, Fattah said he expects to win a new trial about errors regarding his previous five-defendant trial, such as the dismissal of a juror, The Associated Press reported.

But U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle denied the request to remain free on appeal, noting 13 other counts did not involve bribery.

Fattah also argued the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the definition of bribery when it overturned the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.

Fattah was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of using more than $60,000 worth of government and nonprofit money for personal and campaign expenses.

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