Ryan calls on rep convicted in racketeering case to resign immediately

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Jury convicts Chaka Fattah in racketeering case

Long-time Pennsylvania congressman found guilty on all counts

Democratic Rep. Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania, who was convicted earlier this week in a racketeering case, offered Wednesday his resignation from the House effective Oct. 3.

However, House Speaker Paul Ryan called on Fattah to resign immediately because Fattah is slated to be sentenced Oct. 4.

Ryan said in a statement the veteran Pennsylvania lawmaker had betrayed the trust of the House and his constituents. Ryan said he hoped Democratic leaders would join him in calling for Fattah's immediate resignation.

Fattah was convicted on charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering. The case was largely centered on efforts to repay an illegal $1 million campaign loan.

His lawyers had argued that the schemes were engineered without Fattah's knowledge by two political consultants who pleaded guilty in the case.

The 59-year-old Democrat had been in Congress since 1995. But he lost his April primary and his bid for another term.

In a letter to Ryan, Fattah outlined accomplishments he produced in the House and wrote: "I'm very sad about the verdict the jury rendered yesterday and because of that, my resignation is effective Oct. 3, 2016. Despite my resignation I am working to clear my name of these charges and plan to mount an appeal."

Fox News’ Chad Pergram and the Associated Press contributed to this report.