James A. Traficant, who is the Ohio democrat, was disqualified from Congress after being found responsible of corruption walked out of jail in Minnesota after spending seven years.
Traficant, 68, an unconventional ex- sheriff, did not respond reporters’ questions as he left the jail unaccompanied and rode away in a taxi. He was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and knee-high white socks and carried his luggage in a synthetic bag. Well-known for his disorderly toupee that was piled incredibly high on his head — he said he desired “a weed whacker” to trim it — Traficant left jail with an ancient moving back hairline.
In 2002, in a trial in which Traficant represented himself, he was convicted of 10 criminal act counts, including corruption and taking remunerations.
Prosecutors and eyewitnesses said he filed bogus tax returns and accepted without charge labor and resources for his Ohio farmhouse from contractors in exchange for giving them congressional favors. He was the 2nd House member since the Civil War to be voted out for immoral actions.
Traficant, whose speeches in Congress frequently drew a crowd as they were so vibrant and unusual, often made “Star Trek” references and, on the House floor, signed off by saying, “Beam me up.”
To mark his discharge, the Axis Bar & Grill on U Street NW, urged customers to come dressed similar to Traficant, who privileged skinny ties, denim suits and bell-bottoms.
