Embattled Congressman Chaka Fattah speaks out

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News reporter Vernon Odom spoke with Congressman Chaka Fattah in the midst of the racketeering and conspiracy case built against him.

Congressman Fattah continues to declare his complete innocence, and he reaffirmed his intention to run for reelection next year.

Fattah has not gone into seclusion in the wake of the long expected racketeering case against him. In fact, he is raising his profile in an effort to be as visible as ever as he awaits trial.

He's calling the massive set of federal charges against him nothing but a political witch hunt.

"When you have a big profile, you're a big target," He said.

Prosecutors say Fattah was the kingpin in convoluted schemes to use federal grant money and charitable donations he controlled to channel money to his family and members of his tight inner circle.

Two of his longtime associates have pleaded guilty, while four others have been charged in the current case. Several are now believed to be cooperating with prosecutors.

Fattah says, "The law actually tells you that when people have something to gain, you have to discount what they have to say."

The 11 term congressman so far has answers to all the tough questions raised in that indictment, and claims he will present a strong case at trial.

He tells Action News, "I will not equivocate, compromise, retreat one inch from the fact that I'm innocent."

Congressman Fattah's first appearance in federal court is scheduled for August 18th.