James Traficant: The Maverick Congressman

A flamboyant Ohio congressman known for his toupee and catchphrases, who became only the second member to be expelled from the House since the Civil War.

• The Charges (2002): Convicted on 10 counts including bribery, racketeering, and forcing staff to work on his farm.
• The Defense: He represented himself at trial, famously arguing that he was the victim of a government vendetta.
• The Sentence: After being expelled from Congress by a 420-1 vote, he served a seven-year prison sentence.