Michael G. Grimm informed House Speaker John A. Boehner in a letter Monday he is stepping down from his post on the House Financial Services Committee while he battles criminal fraud and tax-evasion charges.  

“In light of recent events, I am writing this letter to respectfully request to be removed from my position on the House Financial Services Committee. Upon a successful resolution of pending legal matters my intention is to resume said position as an active member of the committee,” the New York Republican wrote in the letter.  

Boehner’s spokesman, Michael Steel, said the speaker agreed with Grimm’s choice. “The speaker believes Rep. Grimm’s decision is appropriate under the circumstances,” Steel said.
Republican leadership controls Grimm’s fate , and it’s not clear if any more action will be taken given that lawmakers are just returning from a two-week recess.  

Grimm was charged Monday with 20 counts of illegal activity relating to the health food store he owned and operated between 2006 and 2010, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and impede the Internal Revenue Service. Grimm was also charged with filing false tax returns, knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants and lying under oath.  

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