Ethics Panel Begins Probe of Rep. Garcia
The House Ethics Committee began a time-consuming investigation Tuesday that could determine whether Rep. Robert Garcia, convicted of extortion and conspiracy, will keep his seat.
The 56-year-old New York Democrat, who faces up to 45 years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 5, has not said if he will resign the seat he has held since 1978.
The committee is beginning a preliminary inquiry, required when a member is convicted of an offense carrying at least a one-year prison term.
Because the Ethics Committee and the House have jurisdiction only over members and employees, the case would end if Garcia resigned.
A preliminary inquiry determines whether the ethics panel--formally the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct--has enough evidence to issue a statement of alleged violations, similar to an indictment.
If the committee proceeds to its final stage, it would determine if any violation occurred, and whether punishment--ranging from reprimand to expulsion--should be recommended to the full House.
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