Chakah Fattah’s lawyers have been ordered to stay on the case despite lack of pay.The lawyers say Fattah has not paid them in months, as he battles accusations of money laundering and bribery.
A judge has ordered lawyers for indicted U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah to stay on the case through his May trial even though the Philadelphia congressman hasn't paid them for months.
In a ruling Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III says he fears a trial delay if the lawyers step down.
He notes that Fattah has made it a priority to raise money for his re-election rather than worry about his legal bills. He warned the 11-term Democrat to rethink that strategy.
The 59-year-old Fattah faces years in prison if convicted of bribery, money laundering and other charges. He says he will be exonerated.
Fattah says he's paid the lawyers more than $100,000 since his summertime arrest.
Defense lawyer Kevin Mincey says the team will do its job and hopes to be paid.
Fatth is married to NBC10 News anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah, who is currently on leave from NBC10.
