Ex-Mich. congressman charged with conspiracy involving terror financing ring has plea hearing

Plea hearing set for ex-congressman in terror case

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former Michigan congressman and delegate to the United Nations has a plea hearing scheduled in federal court involving a case connected to terror fundraising.

Mark Deli Siljander, a Republican who served in the House from 1981-1987, is charged with helping an Islamic charity based in Missouri that authorities say secretly sent funds to terrorists.

Siljander, who became a lobbyist after leaving the House, was scheduled to appear Wednesday in a Kansas City federal court. He is charged with money laundering, conspiracy and obstructing justice.

Prosecutors allege that he lied about lobbying senators on behalf of the Islamic American Relief Agency. Prosecutors say the money the group paid to Siljander was stolen from the U.S. Agency for International Development.