Jurors are deliberating into Wednesday afternoon in the Chaka Fattah Jr. fraud trial. NBC10’s George Spencer has the details.
Jury deliberations continue in the tax and bank fraud case against the son of a veteran Philadelphia congressman.
Chaka Fattah Jr., 33, is accused of obtaining business loans and federal education contracts to support an extravagant lifestyle, which included a luxury condominium, car, fancy parties catered by top restaurants and high-end electronics.
He is charged with bank fraud, false statements to obtain loans, false statements to settle loans, false statements concerning loans insured by the Small Business Administration, filing false federal income tax returns, failing to pay federal income tax, theft from program receiving federal funds, wire fraud, and aiding and abetting.
Prosecutors labeled Chaka Fattah Jr. as a “cheat and a deadbeat” while the defendant insisted he’s a legitimate businessman.
“I’m not a scam artist,” Fattah Jr. said. “I’m a businessman. I’m a legitimate businessman who made over one million dollars.”
Fattah Jr., who defended himself in the trial, painted himself as an entrepreneur, photographer, consultant and educator devastated by an overreaching government case against him. His father, Congressman Chaka Fattah, was present in the courtroom as his son summarized the defense. Fattah Jr. told NBC10 he believes he presented a clear enough case to the jury.
“This is my first trial and hopefully my last,” he said.
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Prosecutors told jurors Fattah Jr.’s multiple businesses were “just talk” and accused him of lying to banks in order to get business loans which paid for an extravagant lifestyle. They also accused him of lying to get rid of the loans and lying on his taxes in order to adjust his reported income. They also argued Fattah Jr. never had any real clients.
Jury deliberations continued Wednesday but a verdict has not yet been reached.
Fattah Jr.’s father, congressman Chaka Fattah, is charged in a separate but overlapping case investigated by the same FBI agents and prosecutors. He’s accused of misusing federal grants and charitable donations. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The elder Fattah is married to NBC10 News anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah who is currently on leave.
