Friend of Chaka Fattah Jr. Pleads Guilty, Could Testify Against Congressman's Son
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A friend and associate of Chip Fattah, the son of Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.), today pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy in a case that has also ensnared the younger Fattah.
Matthew Amato and Chaka Fattah Jr. (known to friends as "Chip") were roommates for a couple of years between 2004- and 2006. Now, Amato has admitted he made false statements for bank loans in order to benefit Fattah Jr.
Fattah Jr. is charged with financial fraud, including filing false tax returns. Officials say he held himself out founder and owner of a number of entrepreneurial enterprises, using funds from business lines of credit for personal purposes, including car payments, food, jewelry, restaurant dining, and club expenses.
Fattah Jr. has categorically denied any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty.
But today, Amato, 31, admitted that he made false statements for bank loans and then funneled about $65,000 of that money to Fattah Jr. Because it is part of a plea agreement, Amato would be expected to testify against Fattah Jr. when that case comes up for trial.