A state representative, serving under a federal indictment, says he will continue to serve in the House and it appears House leadership is behind him. St. Louis Representative John Bowman says he has no plans to step down though a federal indictment handed down Monday names him among 17 people accused of bank and credit card fraud. Bowman says, “I have an obligation to the citizens who voted for me. My life goes on.” Bowman, a Democrat, has the support of Republican House Speaker Rod Jetton. Jetton says as far as the House of Representatives is concerned, he remains innocent until proven guilty. Jetton says Bowman will continue to serve on the House Budget Committee. Bowman also serves on the Special Committee on Rural Community Development. Bowman is chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and met with members of that caucus upon his return. The top Democrat in the House, Jeff Harris of Columbia, acknowledges Bowman faces very serious charges. He says one thing to bear in mind is that the alleged conduct took place outside Bowman’s legislative duties. Harris says that the case needs to be allowed to run its course.Bowman returned to the State Capitol three days after the federal indictment was handed down Monday. The indictment accuses former Bank of America Vice President Robert Conner of recruiting Bowman and others to submit false applications for small-business credit cards. It alleges Bowman obtained a $4,000 cash advance using a fraudulent credit line at a St. Louis bank branch and obtained materials worth at least $1,000 during a one-year period.
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