Ohio congressman indicted on bribery, other charges

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio, was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury in Cleveland, law enforcement sources told CNN.

Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio, faces a 10-count federal indictment.

The 10-count, 130-page indictment includes charges of bribery, tax evasion, racketeering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice, the officials said.

Traficant, known as one of the most colorful members of the House, had repeatedly predicted he would be indicted in an ongoing federal investigation in Ohio because of his alleged ties to organized crime. He has denied any wrongdoing.

He has been rumored for months to be considering a switch to the Republican Party and voted for Republican Dennis Hastert of Illinois for House speaker earlier this year.

On the House floor, Traficant is best-known for his "one-minute" speeches he delivers almost daily while the House is in session.

Traficant's speeches generally deal with various abuses by the federal government and conclude with the congressman yelling in disgust, "Beam me up!"

The indictment is not the first for Traficant. In 1983 he was acquitted on federal bribery charges dating back to his tenure as a sheriff in Ohio. He represented himself in the case despite having no legal training.

Justice Department officials said Traficant will not be arrested, but will receive a summons. He is expected to make a court appearance in approximately 10 days.

CNN Justice correspondent Kelli Arena contributed to this article

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Rep. James Traficant, D-Ohio
  • One-minute speeches
U.S. District Court, northern district of Ohio

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