CREW Names Rivera To Most Corrupt In Congress List

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Miami Republican Congressman David Rivera has been embroiled in controversy since his campaign. Now, he's earned a very dubious designation.

Congressman Rivera has been named one of the fourteen most corrupt members of Congress by the Citizens for Ethics in Washington, or CREW.

Rivera is currently under criminal investigation by the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Miami-Dade Police public corruption unit, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office, according to CREW.

CREW said that Rivera's ethics issues stem from "what appears to be multiple money laundering and tax evasion schemes involving: (1) his role in a pro-slots campaign; (2) repeatedly misreporting his income and liabilities on personal financial disclosure forms; (3) using campaign funds for personal benefit and to steer money to family and friends; and (4) his personal and professional ties to an ex-lobbyist and her consulting company."

CREW also named Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida as another member of the 2011 Most Corrupt list. The list consisted of nine Republicans and four Democrats.

• Click here to read CREW's report on Rivera.

Rivera responded Tuesday evening to being added to CREW's list with a statement that attacked CREW:

"CREW is a well known Democrat Party front-group funded by liberal activists like George Soros.  It is not surprising they would attack fiscal conservatives like Congressman Rivera who, besides fighting against tax increases and for balanced budgets, has also welcomed any and all public scrutiny.  Congressman Rivera will remain focused on working to create jobs, reign in spending, and improve the economy, which is exactly what his constituents elected him to do."