May 22, 6:22 PM EDT

House ethics panel suspends Renzi inquiry

PHOENIX (AP) -- A congressional investigation into U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi is being suspended because the Arizona Republican also faces prosecution on federal criminal charges.

House ethics committee leaders say a subcommittee investigating allegations against Renzi decided to put the brakes on its investigation because the U.S. Justice Department is concerned it could affect the criminal case.

The announcement in Washington by Reps. Stephanie Jones and Doc Hastings says the subcommittee will monitor the criminal case and could resume its own inquiry.

Renzi has pleaded not guilty to a 35-count indictment. He's accused of stealing from insurance clients and of trying to arrange a federal land swap to benefit himself and a former business partner.

Renzi is not running for re-election.

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