By Adam Nichols
DNAinfo News Editor
HARLEM — The ethics trial of Rep. Charles Rangel has left the congressman's pet project a decimated wreck, according to the New York Post.
The Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service, an offshoot of City College, has received $9 million in pledges thanks to the Harlem Democrats' pleas for funds.
But, since he became embroiled in controversy in September last year, only $3,315 in donations has been given — with not a single penny being pledged this year.
The mansion that is planned to house the center stands padlocked and empty, and is scarred by graffitti, the Post reported.
Its future is in question after the House ethics committee charged Rangel with 13 violations, nine of which involved fundraising for the center, which is intended to prepare minority students for careers in public service.
Rangel used House stationery, congressional staff and government mailing privileges to secure donations, the ethics committee found.
A college spokeswoman told the Post the center's future was not in doubt.
But a college professor said its association with the politician wasn't something the college was proud of.
"It's a bit of an albatross around our neck," said Paul Gottlieb.
At a Harlem barbecue Saturday, Rangel hit back at President Barack Obama, who said Friday he hoped the troubled politician would soon bring his career to an end.
"I've never gotten a fair shake," Rangel told the Post.
