TUCSON, March 4 (UPI) -- Embattled Republican Rep. Rick Renzi of Arizona said Tuesday he would not resign from Congress.
The Arizona Daily Star reported that the Republican lawmaker made his announcement after he pleaded not guilty to federal money-laundering, fraud and extortion charges.
Federal magistrate Bernardo Velasco released Renzi on his promise to appear in court April 29, the newspaper reported.
After his arraignment in Tucson and being finger-printed by U.S. marshals, Renzi said at a brief press conference that he would not leave his congressional seat.
Federal prosecutors allege Renzi used his office to benefit from a land deal. They also say Renzi embezzled $400,000 in insurance premiums from his own insurance company to bankroll his 2001 congressional campaign.
