(Image source from: AZ x-Congressman sentenced to three years imprisonment)

The 55-year-old former Arizonian congressman, Rick Renzi, who was pronounced guilty on charges of public corruption, extortion, racketeering and other federal charges, was sentenced to three years imprisonment yesterday.

The former GOP Rep. served Arizona's 1st Congressional District from 2003 until 2008. He also held a coveted seat on the House Intelligence Committee during the time of his indictment.

Renzi is likely to appeal against the sentence. His lawyer, Kelly Kramer, said the former lawmaker had been battling the charges for seven years, "and will continue the fight."

"Mr. Renzi abused the power and the corresponding trust that come with being a member of Congress by putting his own financial interests over the interests of the citizens," said acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "He fleeced his own insurance company to fund his run for Congress and then exploited his position for personal gain."

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury