New York Republican Rep. Michael Grimm said he would not resign following his indictment in a New York courthouse on 20 counts of fraud and other charges dealing with a Manhattan restaurant he operated before he was elected to Congress.
According to federal prosecutors, Grimm hid more than a million dollars in store receipts to avoid federal and state law.
"In total, Grimm concealed over $1,000,000 in Healthalicious gross receipts alone, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars of employees' wages, fraudulently depriving the federal and New York State governments of sales, income and payroll taxes," the indictment reads.
"I'm not abandoning my post now," Grimm said Monday. "I have an election to win."
"I have a lot more leadership and service to provide this country," Grimm added. "So here's what's going to happen. I'm going to do what I always do, I'm going to get back to work. I'm gonna serve the people that honored with the ability to represent them."
Grimm's lawyer told BuzzFeed Friday that he would be "vindicated" once "the dust settles."
"After more than two years of investigation plagued by malicious leaks, violations of grand jury secrecy, and strong-arm tactics, the U.S. Attorney's Office has disclosed its intent to file criminal charges against Congressman Grimm," William McGinley said. "We are disappointed by the government's decision, but hardly surprised. From the beginning, the government has pursued a politically driven vendetta against Congressman Grimm and not an independent search for the truth. Congressman Grimm asserts his innocence of any wrongdoing. When the dust settles, he will be vindicated. Until then, he will continue to serve his constituents with the same dedication and tenacity that has characterized his lifetime of public service as a Member of Congress, Marine Corps combat veteran, and decorated FBI Special Agent."