A Republican Congressman of Nebraska announced he would resign after being convicted in an investigation into illegal campaign contributions.Â
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, 61, announced in a letter to his supporters on Saturday. He will step down effective March 31.Â
In October, Fortenberry was charged with three felony counts, including scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and making false statements to federal investigators. US Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison alleges that the congressman chose to cover up illegal contributions once he learned of them.
“Due to the difficulties of my current circumstances, I can no longer effectively serve,” Fortenberry’s letter read. Fortenberry faced pressure from his peers to step down.
His departure will leave a vacancy in the state’s 1st Congressional District. Republican Governor Pete Ricketts will call a special election to fill the seat.
Fortenberry is set to be sentenced on June 28. He is facing a maximum of five years in federal prison on each count.
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