Jury in Fattah racketeering trial to get the case

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF/AP) - The judge in the monthlong racketeering case of U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah and four co-defendants has started to charge the jury. FOX 29's Jeff Cole reports that's expected to two hours.

In closing arguments, defense lawyers accused the Justice Department of smearing the long-time public servant through the racketeering case.

Defense lawyer Samuel Silver said Fattah may have had financial problems, but the money a friend spent on his children's nanny, his wife's Porsche and their Poconos vacation home was not part of a bribery scheme.

Silver said the prosecution is fueled by two Fattah consultants who pleaded guilty and hope to get a break for testifying against Fattah.

The political consultants admit they helped carry out an illegal $1 million loan scheme during Fattah's 2007 mayoral campaign.