The cottage has a high-ceilinged living room with fireplace and a sleeping loft. After 30 years of working first as a Wall Street lawyer and later a TV broadcaster, she had to figure out what her third act would be. The credit is unique in that families under a set income without a tax liability are eligible for a tax rebate. She is on leave from her anchor job. the Service Employees International Union, spent about a third of whatbusinessman Tom Knox did, a Temple professor recently accused ofbeing a Chinese spy, Experts seem to agree that prosecutors have their hands full, 5 things to know about Joanna McClinton, Pa.s first Black woman House speaker, How to get on the primary ballot in Philly (and why candidates get kicked off), What should Philly mayoral candidates answer about public safety? Congressman Chaka Fattah. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. A source speculated to The Philadelphia Inquirer that the decision could be tied to coronavirus concerns. He resigned from Congress two days later. Fattah ran for re-election to his seat in 2016, but he was defeated by Dwight Evans in the Democratic primary. Philadelphia news outlets have filed a motion to unseal court documents related to that dismissal. Innocent until proven guilty has, predictably, become the congressmans mantra. makes sure to note, too, that Sims raised $230,000 to challenge him for Congressthis year and didnt make it to filing day. He was sentenced on Dec. 12, 2016 to 10 years in prison and he reported to Federal Correctional Institution, McKean on Jan. 25, 2017. The congressman's wife, NBC10 news anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah, was not in the courtroom. The bill has national support from co-op and EOB advocates and members. And Fattahs Twitter account shows that he launched a business while still serving his sentence, with his bio saying hes President/CEO of Fattah Neuroscience Global Advisors - Catalysts in Uplifting Brain Research. We're sorry what happened to your family, but isn't it great that you went on to use your voice to do something which makes an impact around this issue of Alzheimer's.' / CBS/AP. The feds also claim that in 2008, Fattah triedto secure an ambassadorship forlobbyist Herbert Vederman, one of the co-defendants. Chaka Fattah's income source is mostly from being a successful . Since 2011, it has assisted 4.5million students and their families. In May 1986, he received his master's degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government. ", NBC 10 News Anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah. A lawyer before she became a journalist, Chenault-Fattah is said to earn a substantial salary from NBC10. It was recently announced that his wife who was not charged was no longer at NBC 10 after a six-month period on leave from the station, and Fattah Jr. is in a jail cell. Fattah also hired Vederman's girlfriend to his staff as the transactions were taking place, according to the indictment. He was never challenged in the Democratic primary until 2016, when he lost to Dwight E. Evans. In 1987, Fattah founded the Graduate Opportunity Initiative Conference, an annual three-day informational and scholarship conference which aims to significantly increase the enrollment of underrepresented graduate students studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM fields). He says at least 25 million people have been impacted by his programs (there are 715,000 people in hisdistrict, 1.5 million in Philadelphiaand 12.8 million in the state), and that there isnt a single person in the citywho has not been touched in some significant, positive way by something he put in place. The trial was originally scheduled for May 2, 2016, but in April a judge had the date pushed back to May 16 to give the defendants time to review the excess of more than 100,000 documents accrued by the prosecution. After charges were filed against Fattah last summer, not everyone in West Philadelphia, an area that was once on lock for the former congressmans voters base, was on Fattahs side and praying for his re-election. 3941-45 W. Netherfield Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19129 | TREND images via Elfant Wissahickon Realtors. On July 29, 2015, Fattah and a group of associates were indicted on federal charges related to their alleged roles in a racketeering and influence peddling conspiracy. Theyre kind of dealing with the position, Fattah said. Fattahs wife, Renee Chenault-Fattah, was implicated in the indictment against the congressman and nolonger sits at the anchor deskat NBC 10 where she worked for nearly 25years. Congressman William Gray decided to resign. Started in 1983 by Pennsylvanias Act 91 of 1983, it was only one of its kind until 2010 when Fattah added language to the Dodd Frank bill to provide similar assistance, to homeowners nationwide. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. They say Fattah and his allies ran not one, but several schemes, that misappropriated funds and helped him further his own political and financial interests. 2130 which had a single cosponsor, Democratic Rep. Brian Baird of Washington. U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle called the Philadelphia Democrats crimes astonishing given that he and his wife had an annual income that put them at or near the top 1 percent.. Office of Property Assessment records show the home was put in Renee Chenault-Fattahs name via a nominal transaction in 2006. Ambition Is an Asset. His son, Chaka Fattah Jr. is serving a five-year prison term in an overlapping fraud case that went to trial last year. NBC10's Deanna Durante explains how. He is from . Dianna Marder, Party Politics: Fattah, Chenault exchange vows with help from their children, the congressman and news anchor held a big church wedding,The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 8, 2001, Congressman Chaka Fattahs son taken off to serve years in prison for fraud,NBCPhiladelphia.com, February 2, 2016,https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Chaka-Fattah-Jr-Fraud-Sentencing-Federal-Court-367332741.html; Bill Clark, Chaka Fattah former Pennsylvania congressman gets 10 years in federal prison for corruption, CBSNews.com, December 12, 2016,https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chaka-fattah-former-pennsylvania-congressman-10-years-prison-corruption/. Andthe Department of Justice contends its investigators werent unfairly targeting the congressman. Chenault-Fattah, who is also a lawyer, spent 25 years with WCAU-TV before she resigned after the indictment named her a participant in the bribery scheme. He's currently serving a 10-year prison sentence. Prosecutors say Fattah tried to conceal an $18,000 bribe from Vederman by pretending he sold a Porsche to the man. Or rather, Chaka and Renee. Upon entering the political world at age 25, he became a lawmaker and served six years as Pennsylvania state representative, followed by six years as state senator. Chenault-Fattah, who used to anchor her station's 4 and 6 p.m. newscasts, went on a six-month leave that eventually became permanent. But the icing on this crooked cake is that Fattah is collecting a taxpayer-funded pension. Though Fattah was reportedlyunder investigation by the Department of Justice for eight years, it took charges on racketeering and bribery for challengers to come forward. While you have done much good, you also engaged in grave and widespread criminal activity, Bartle added. He also wrote the legislation for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). He won the general election with 86% of the vote. "People will say, 'We miss seeing you on TV and it's such a shame what happened to your husband and your family," Chenault-Fattah said. save for his 2007 bid for mayor. "Almost every chronic illness hits us harder," she said, referring to African Americans. On August 9, 2018, however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit overturned Fattahs bribery convictions. Despite apparently selling the car to Vederman in January, the indictment says, Chenault-Fattah in May renewed the car's registration in her name, had the vehicle serviced in Conshohocken in June, and adjusted the car's insurance for the winter in November. This was my first big success in Congress.. A jury has decided that based on the evidence presented to them that I am guilty of charges presented by the government. See also: United States House of Representatives elections in Pennsylvania, 2010#District 2. Bartle noted that Fattah and his wife, a TV news anchor, made more than $500,000 in combined income, placing them in the top 1 percent of Americans. State Rep. Brian Sims declared himself a challenger, then dropped out before filing day. Still, as. The two-story carriage house can serve as a separate residence for an in-law, aupair or guests. I kind of want to leave it there.". Thats an area where Evans whos successfully stumped for other candidates across the state has him beat. Fattah and the other co-conspirators submitted false billing statements to his mayoral campaign in order to keep the loan secret. But this time around, she intends to be an advocate forcauses about which she's passionate. Each touts something Fattah did while in the United States Congress representing Philadelphia. Experts seem to agree that prosecutors have their hands full trying to prove theircharges because of a long paper trail (900,000 pages of government evidence) that will have to be nailed down in court. In 2012, Fattah negotiated a partnership between FIRST and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide robotics programs to 4 million youth by 2015. Thats as he continues to collect his pension, as no member of Congress has ever been stripped of their pension. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. On June 21, 2016, a federal jury convicted Fattah, 59, of bribery, mail fraud, and 27 other charges including misappropriating campaign, charity, and taxpayer money. Fattah, who earned $174,000 as a congressman, is married to longtime Philadelphia news anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah. Fattah says he can get by largely on the fact that his name has been on the ballot for two decades. AOTC provides up to $2500 tax credit for families to assist them with the cost of college. Vederman wrote back to Fattah, "love to purchase" the car, according to the indictment, and later wired $18,000 to Fattah. Ironically, Fattah says that one day he hopes his legacy in Philadelphia is not about his success at the polls or the elections hes won or even about his prominence in the Washington Democratic establishment, but rather, he says, about what hes done for his constituents and for the country. NEW JERSEY FEDERAL JUDGES SON KILLED, HUSBAND SHOT AT HOME. In the 2011-12 election period, he spent $162,000 while the average winner of a House seat spent 10 times that, some $1.6 million. So, how much is Chaka Fattah worth at the age of 66 years old? "This is an extraordinarily difficult day for me and my family. Chaka "Chip" Fattah Jr., who never finished college, was convicted of using fraudulently obtained business loans to fund his jet-set lifestyle. Ive helped tens of millions of people, Fattah said. Fattah, a Philadelphia Democrat who served 20 years in Congress, was convicted in 2016 ofmisusing more than $600,000 in federal grants and charitable funds and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Housed within the White House and chartered on June 20, 2012, the IWGN convenes representatives across the Federal government to make recommendations about the future of neuroscience research. Ive helped tens of millions of people, Fattah said. Committed to youth mentorship. Committed to fair housing. In return, Fattah reportedly pushed for an ambassadorial position for Vederman or for appointment to the U.S. Trade Commission, including hand-delivering a letter to President Barack Obama on the issue. Anchor Jim Rosenfield, speaking during Wednesday's 4 p.m. newscast, said Chenault-Fattah "is now on leave.". He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., was released from a federal lockup near Scranton last month to serve the rest of his sentence in either a halfway house or under house arrest in. Fattah has also added a 1 percent tax credit designed to eliminate the impact of the measure on couples making less than $250,000 a year. She's done with that. Fattah, 60, served 22 years in Congress before losing a Democratic primary in April. Its very hard he said. Fattah has said he will appeal his conviction and sentence. Some of the major players in the city leadership maybe are not embracing me because allegations have been made about me, Fattah said. He was ordered to report to prison by Jan. 25, 2017. The four others convicted at trial will be sentenced later this week. Advertisement If you know Chaka, he is the eternal optimist. Congressional pensions are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). They dont even have to believe in me. A year earlier in 2015, Fattah was indicted on charges of bribery, money laundering, and bank and mail fraud, among other charges, making him vulnerable in the primary. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia remanded for new sentencing and Fattah was again sentenced to 10 years on July 12, 2019. Fattah supporters have raised questions about whether he received a fair trial, noting that one of the jurors was dismissed from the case. Sure, Fattahis still a member of several subcommittees that handle appropriations. Chaka Fattah (Arthur Davenport) was born on 21 November, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA. The Fattahs were buying a vacation home in Shohola, Pa., the indictment says, and had agreed to pay just over $19,000 in settlement costs at closing. Hes done lots of favors for lots of people, Dilworth said. This was her first interview since her husband's conviction, so I asked her about that not that I could get her to say much about Chaka, his legal case or the infamous 1989 Porsche that prosecutors alleged was a cover for a bribe from a lobbyist. Some of the earliest charges stem from Fattahs failed bid for Philadelphia mayor in 2007, when his early lead was dwindling just weeks before the primary and he was running low on cash. If BP helped inform you, join as a member today! For example, Fattah used $23,000 in nonprofit funds to repay his sons college loans and took an $18,000 bribe to try to help a friend become an ambassador. He can tout his role in passing the Affordable Care Act. Updated at 3:25 p.m. Wheres he been?, Love Philly? On August 9, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia overturned Fattah's bribery convictions. While it was one the harshest sentences ever handed out to a one-time member of Congress, federal prosecutors had asked for a longer term behind bars. She sat in the courtroom Monday typing on an iPad during the hearing. Market data provided by Factset. With regard to the governments cross-appeal, the Court of Appeals reinstated certain counts that had been dismissed by the District Court post-trial. Some are fromhis own office. Chaka Fattah 1956 . Strategistswidely believe he has the most name recognitionin the field (absent the incumbent), as well as the most cashand a handful of top Philadelphia and state politicians standing behind him who are willing to throw in public support and money for ads. Fattah served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 192nd district from 1983 to 1988, and as a State Senator for the 7th district from 1988 to 1994. The congressman has never won less than 85 percent of the vote in the general, and in 2000 he defeateda Libertarian by garnering an unheard-of 98 percent of the vote. ( Photo via Facebook ), California residents do not sell my data request. But she fought to keep the figure private during her husband's mayoral run in 2007, and his federal financial disclosure reports do not specify how much she earns. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! GEAR UP has become the largest pre-college awareness program in the nations history and has given more than $2 billion toward the educational advancement of low-income students. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 2016 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Outside of legislative work Fattah has created a few local education initiatives for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania families as a state legislator and in cooperation with state and municipal governments, including the CORE scholars program and the annual Grad Conference. HEMAP is a loan program designed to protect Pennsylvanians who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. 4646) which proposed to repeal the federal income tax and replace it with a 1 percent "transaction tax" on every financial transaction whether paid by cash, credit card or any form of financial transfer, the only exception being transactions involving the purchase or sale of stock. Two days later, according to the indictment, the Fattahs had their mortgage for the Poconos property approved. Fattah was a former state lawmaker and Philadelphia official who was elected to Congress in 1994. "Whether it's diabetes, whether it's heart disease, strokes across the board.". However,he was once the top Democrat on the group that handles cash flow to Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. If youve ever dreamed of living like a baron for less than a million bucks, nows your chance: the Fattahs loss is your gain. Upstairs youll find three bedrooms and a full bath. Renee Chenault-Fattah, wife of the indicted Rep. Chaka Fattah (D., Pa.), was not charged by federal authorities Wednesday - but the longtime NBC10 anchor did not escape the U.S. attorney's charging document. Chaka Fattah (born Arthur Davenport; November 21, 1956) is an American politician from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House for Pennsylvania's 2nd congressional district from 1995 to 2016. U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III told Fattah in January:You need to take this matter seriously and think long and hard about your priorities., The charges Fattah denies are what hesomehow calls a clarifying moment., Sometimes when youre flying on Air Force One and some corporate CEO is waiting to greet you and introduce you and this and that, but theyre really not talking to you. Get your daily rundown of Philly happenings in less than 10 minutes, Philadelphia local news: Neighborhoods, politics, food, and fun, Get Philly smart with BPs free daily newsletter. He is from . He is stepfather to her daughter Cameron Chenault. A handful of names circulated, from District Attorney Seth Williams to now former Mayor Michael Nutter. Renee Chenault-Fattah, wife of the indicted Rep. Chaka Fattah (D., Pa.), was not charged by federal authorities Wednesday - but the longtime NBC10 anchor did not escape the U.S. attorney's charging document. In the 2016 election, Fattah was ousted in the Democratic primarythe real contest in his heavily Democratic, black-majority districtto state representative Dwight Evans. For these additional counts, Fattah was again sentenced to 10 years of incarceration on July 12, 2019. Still, as he faces years behind bars, Fattahsfighting to keep his seat inthe Democratic primary on April 26. Fattah's 10-year-prison sentence falls below the federal advisory guidelines, a range that Bartle said ran 15 years and eight months to 19 years and seven months. Now I know its actually people in the barbershops and the beauty salons. His parents divorced, and his mother married David Fattah, changed her name to Falaka Fattah, and changed her sons name as well. Suddenly, the popular broadcaster was a stay-at-home mom with a whole lot of time on her hands and a non-compete clause that sidelined her for a least a year. It's the former home of Congressman Chaka Fattah and his wife Renee Chenault-Fattah, a. Those in high places will certainly know what happens in this courtroom today, said U.S. District Judge Harvery Bartle, III, as he sentenced Fattah, according to WPVI, a Philadelphia TV station. And Im going to leave it to others to figure out everybodys motives.. The latest property being unloaded in the Disgraced Pol Hit Parade went on the market last Tuesday. Fattah, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, began his political career working as the Special Assistant to the Director of Housing and Community Development in Philadelphia from 1980 to 1981. Wisely, Chenault-Fattah, now 60, decided to stick to what she's known for, which is telling stories. December 12, 2016 / 12:36 PM Committed to fair housing. Despite the successes, the connections, the seniority and the support, hes a careerpolitician whos nearly out of campaign funds and who couldnt pay the lawyers defending him on charges of using public money and charity dollars to further his political career and line the pockets of hisassociates. 2451. From the outside, things seem painfulfor Fattahs family.