Ex-House member Renzi's insurance fraud appeal rejected by high court

(Bloomberg) — The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal from former Representative Rick Renzi of Arizona, leaving intact his conviction for public corruption, insurance fraud and racketeering.

Renzi, a Republican, argued unsuccessfully that his prosecution violated the Constitution’s speech-or-debate clause, which limits investigations into the legislative work of members of Congress.

Prosecutors introduced evidence that Renzi, who owned an insurance agency, misappropriated clients’ premiums to fund his congressional campaign. He was also accused of lying to regulators and clients to cover his tracks.