Judge grants Rep. Chaka Fattah's request to be able to contact 23 potential witnesses

A federal judge Thursday granted U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah's request to communicate with 23 potential government witnesses as he prepares for trial next year on corruption charges.

Lawyers for the Philadelphia Democrat had argued that Fattah needed to maintain contact with each of the named individuals - a list that includes the likes of former Gov. Ed Rendell and U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. (D., Pa.) - to carry out his job in Congress.

Prosecutors had already agreed to allow Fattah to talk with some of those witnesses, but questioned how others, like his former chief-of-staff and an aide to New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, were integral to the congressman's job. They have said they fear Fattah might try to influence witness testimony in advance of his trial.

In granting the congressman's request, U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III barred Fattah from discussing his case with any potential witness.

Fattah stands accused of misusing campaign donations, charitable gifts and grant funds under his control to enrich himself, his family and members of his inner circle. He has denied the charges. - Jeremy Roebuck