Republican Rick Renzi raided by FBI

April 20, 2007

Phoenix, Arizona - Republican Rick Renzi's family business was raided by the FBI in connection with an ongoing federal investigation.

Renzi was forced to step down temporarily from the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday.

The Arizona Republican said in a statement issued late Thursday night that the FBI took several documents.

"I view these actions as the first step in bringing out the truth," he said.

"Until this matter is resolved, I will take a leave of absence from the House Intelligence Committee. I intend to fully cooperate with this investigation."

The Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, said agents went to the Patriot Insurance Agency in Sonoita. In a financial-disclosure statement filed last May, Renzi reported that his wife, Roberta, owned the agency. He valued the business at $1 million to $5 million.

According to the Arizona Republic newspaper, the Justice Department has been investigating Renzi for months, but the subject of the inquiry has never been made public.