WASHINGTON, March 27 (UPI) -- The Federal Election Commission has fined U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., $23,000 for violating New York City rent-stabilization rules with a campaign office.
The New York Post reported Tuesday it has learned Rangel agreed to pay the fine after the FEC said he was aware he was violating regulations by using a rent-stabilized apartment for his campaign, paying $630 a month or just over one-third the market rent. Under city ordinances, rent-stabilized apartments can only be used as a primary residence.
Rangel rented four rent-stabilized apartments in a building in New York City's Harlem neighborhood he represents in Congress. One was used as a campaign office.
One of the longest-serving members of Congress, Rangel is running for a 22nd term. He was censured in 2010 for violations of House ethics rules, including tax evasion, hiding assets and using his office to raise money for his center at City College in New York.
