Rep. Garcia, Wife Indicted in Wedtech Case

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-N.Y.) today became the second U.S. congressman to be indicted in the Wedtech corruption scandal.

A federal grand jury in Manhattan indicted Garcia, a six-term Democrat; his wife, Jane Lee Garcia; and a Puerto Rico attorney, Ralph Vallone Jr., on bribe-related conspiracy charges.

The indictment was released by the office of U.S. Atty. Rudolph Giuliani.

Garcia, 55, a Democrat from the South Bronx, easily turned away primary and general election challenges to win a sixth term earlier this month.

Through his spokesman, Bill Danvers, Garcia said he is innocent and vowed to fight the charges “with all of my God-given strength.”

“I am grateful that this period of trial by grand jury leaks is finally over,” the statement said. He said the charges stem from “the preposterous allegations of Mario Moreno, one of the most notorious felons of the 20th Century.”

Moreno Admits Guild

Moreno was one of four Wedtech officials who pleaded guilty to bribing government authorities and cooperated with prosecutors. He had testified that Garcia and his wife had received money and jewelry as bribes for their work on behalf of the now bankrupt defense contractor.

Garcia was the second Puerto Rican-born American to be elected to Congress. Former Rep. Herman Badillo, also of New York, was the first.

On Friday, former U.S. Rep. Mario Biaggi, another Bronx Democrat, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his part in the Wedtech scandal.