Chaka Fattah Jr., the son of Rep. Chaka Fattah (D., Pa.) who is facing unrelated corruption charges, made his closing arguments Tuesday in a fraud case alleging he used money from federal contracts and business loans to purchase luxurious items that included a car, condominium, electronics, and to throw extravagant parties.
The younger Fattah argued during his closing statement that he is a legitimate businessman and not a "scam artist" while prosecutors called the Democratic representative's son a "cheat and a deadbeat."
NBC Philadelphia reports:
"I’m not a scam artist," Fattah Jr. said. "I’m a businessman. I’m a legitimate businessman who made over $1 million."
Fattah Jr., 33, 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.
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.
Jurors were sent home early due to Election Day and a verdict was not reached. The trial will resume Wednesday.