By Simone Sebastian
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
HARLEM — The House ethics trial against Congressman Charlie Rangel hasn't begun, but many of the Harlem politician's constituents have already reached their own verdict.
Allegations have swirled for years about his misuse of four rent-regulated apartments in Harlem, his tax records and fundraising he did for a City College center named after him. Many Harlem residents though, were giving Rangel the benefit of the doubt until all the facts come out.
"I think it was a minor mistake," said lifelong Harlem resident Clarence Rutledge, 43, of the alleged misdeeds against Rangel. He said Rangel's political foes were trying to use the controversy to their advantage.
"They just want to get rid of him," Rutledge said. "That's all it's about."
A House committee charged Rangel, who faces reelection this year, on Thursday with various unspecified ethical violations.
The charges are the outcome of a two-year investigation into allegations that Rangel, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 40 years, took inappropriate corporate gifts and failed to pay taxes on property in the Dominican Republic.
Some Harlem residents said they were especially concerned about allegations that Rangel is misusing four rent-subsidized apartments. But that's not enough for many to turn on their longtime representative, they said.
"Whether it's the truth or rumors, I can't answer that," said Harlem resident Shirley Morris, 53.
Still, she stood by him: "Yah, I do support him."
Rangel has earned the unwavering support of his constituents, said State Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell, whose district includes West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood.
"I think they understand the good he has done for our community," Farrell said. "Of course they'll reelect him."
Rangel held a press conference Friday afternoon where he told reporters that he couldn't say much about the House probe.
He was asked whether he felt he had done something wrong.
"I wish feelings had something to do with the facts," he replied.
He also reasserted he was pressing forward with his reelection bid.
But not all Harlem residents will put a check next to his name on the ballot.
Five-year Harlem resident Craig Sullivan said he has long believed it was time to put someone new in Rangel's seat.
"New blood," Sullivan said, of who will get his vote this fall.
"I have nothing against Charlie. ... He's in a good position of power for the neighborhood," Sullivan said. But, he added, there's also a strong argument against him.
"The longer you are in power, the more power will corrupt," Sullivan said.
At the press conference, Rangel was asked if he had a message for his constituents about the probe.
"I can only say without dispute that I will not let you down," he said.
