U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm was arrested on Monday following a two-year investigation into possible campaign finance violations, USA TODAY reported.
Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch is scheduled to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. to further discuss the specific charges brought against the congressman. Grimm's lawyer, William McGinley, said federal officials "disclosed its intent to file criminal charges" on Friday.
The New York Republican admitted to receiving $250,000 to $300,000 from followers of Israeli Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto -- some of which have claimed to donate tens of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to Grimm through straw donors, USA TODAY said.
Ofer Biton, a businessman who served as the liaison between Grimm and Pinto, pleaded guilty to immigration fraud in August. Additionally, Diana Durand -- who was once romantically involved with Grimm -- was charged on Friday for using straw donors to make illegal campaign donations and making false statements to the FBI.
McGinley accused the government of having "a politically driven vendetta" against Grimm.
"When the dust settles, he will be vindicated," McGinley said in a statement.
Grimm, who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, made national news in January when he threatened NY1 News reporter Michael Scotto after being asked about the campaign investigation.
"Let me be clear to you," Grimm said to Scotto after President Obama's State of the Union address. "You ever do that to me again I'll throw you off this f------ balcony."
"Why, why? I just wanted to ask you..." Scotto responded. "It's a valid question."
"No, no, you're not man enough, you're not man enough. I'll break you in half. Like a boy," Grimm threatened.
