Ethics panel holds off on Renzi probe

The House ethics committee announced Thursday that it will, for now, not talk to witnesses linked to the criminal investigation of Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Ariz.).

{mosads}An investigative subcommittee looking into the Renzi matter had unanimously decided to take the step after “the receipt of a communication from the United States Department of Justice expressing concern that such investigative actions might create legal or factual issues that would complicate or impede the criminal prosecution and related law enforcement efforts in this matter.”

Renzi was indicted in February on 35 counts, including extortion, conspiracy, money laundering and wire fraud.

The indictment alleges that Renzi used his influence as a member of Congress to orchestrate a land deal to the benefit of himself and an associate. Renzi is not running for reelection.

“While recognizing that the allegations involving Rep. Renzi are of a very serious nature and must be addressed by the House of Representatives acting under its rules and precedents, the Investigative Subcommittee concluded that it cannot move forward in this matter at this time without engaging in investigative activities that would risk interfering with the criminal prosecution and related ongoing investigation,” Reps. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio) and Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), the leaders of the ethics committee, said in a statement.

The lawmakers stated that the investigative panel would remain in effect and monitor the situation.

Susan Crabtree and Andy Barr contributed to this report.