i'll now turn the podium over to leslie caldwell. >> thank you. good morning. as charged in the indictment congressman fattah and associates undertook a wide-ranging conspiracy that included bribery, concealment of unlawful contributions, theft of federal funds, all to advance their own interests. when elected officials betray the trust and confidence that's placed in them by the public the department of justice will do everything in our power to ensure that they are held accountable. public corruption takes a particularly heavy toll because it undermines people's basic belief our elected leaders, their elected leaders are committed to serving the public intshgs not to lining their own pockets. corruption like what is charged today really shakes public confidence, not only in those who are accused, but in all those who serve in elected office. as a result the allegations made in this case should concern not only people in philadelphia and the people who reside in congressman fattah's district but all americans. i would like to recognize the efforts of the crimi