http://www.personalliberty.com/news/rangel-charged-with-13-ethics-violations-19915600/After refusing to admit to any wrongdoings and failing to make a deal with Congressional investigators, Representative Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) was officially charged by a House committee last week with 13 separate ethics violations.
The majority of the charges brought against the 20-term Democrat involve allegations that he solicited donations for a private building named in his honor using his Congressional authority. The committee also accused Rangel of failing to disclose income, rent on property and other financial assets.
Committee officials said in a statement that Rangel’s "pattern of indifference or disregard for the laws, rules and regulations of the United States" violates Congress’ code of ethics and reflects poorly on the House.
After announcing the allegations, the top Republican on the ethics committee suggested that Rangel’s refusal to take responsibility for the allegations indicates that a public trial is imminent.
He was "given the opportunity to negotiate a settlement during the investigation phase," said Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas). "We are now in the trial phase."
Rangel, who was not required to attend the committee’s first meeting, said later that he may have been "overzealous" in his attempts to serve the state of New York, but noted that he is innocent of any "corruption" or "self-dealings," according to CNN.