Ex-congressman arrested in Zimbabwe
Former Rep. Mel Reynolds (D-Ill.) has been arrested in Zimbabwe by immigration officers, according to multiple reports.
News outlet AllAfrica reports Reynolds was arrested on Monday on charges of violating immigration laws by carrying expired travel documents and possessing pornographic material.
{mosads}”He has been picked up. Investigations are still underway and revealing information will jeopardize investigations that are underway,” Assistant Regional Immigration Officer Francis Mabika told AllAfrica.
Reynolds resigned from Congress in 1995 after being charged with 12 counts of statutory rape, solicitation of child porn and obstruction of justice.
The former congressman arrived to Zimbabwe in November, and was given a two-week visa, which was renewed and expired on Dec. 10. He has since remained in the country illegally, the report says.
A source told AllAfrica that Reynolds shot more than 100 pornographic videos and 2,000 nude photos in his hotel room.
AllAfrica spoke to Reynolds as he was being detained. He said he wasn’t sure if he had broken any immigration laws.
“I misplaced my passport but I found it implying that I am not certain if I breached immigration laws against this country.
“I am sure I will find out about that. They denied me my passport so that I can contact the United States Embassy which is a violation of international laws,” Reynolds said.
The report says he also racked up bills totaling $24,500 at two hotels in the area, and hadn’t paid for them.
Reynolds served in Congress from 1993 to 1995. Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) succeeded him.
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