Former Philadelphia Democratic Congressman Chaka Fattah has appealed to a federal court to delay his 10-year prison sentence while he appeals his conviction for racketeering.
Fattah, sentenced to the 10-year term in December, asked the court to allow him to remain free on the grounds that he expects to win an appeal of his case, the Associated Press reported.
In making the argument, Fattah cited the June Supreme Court decision that overturned the corruption conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.
Fattah was convicted in June of using government and non-profit funds to pay off personal and campaign debts. He also was convicted of accepting cash payments from a donor seeking an ambassadorship from President Obama.
Fattah served as the congressman for Pennsylvania’s 2nd District from 1995 until this year.
