Ex-Congressman Arrested in Zimbabwe: Report

State-controlled newspaper says former congressman arrested for allegedly possessing pornographic material and violating immigration laws

A Zimbabwean official said Tuesday morning that immigration officers had arrested former U.S. congressman Melvin Reynolds, The Associated Press reported.

The official, Ario Mabika, said Reynolds is being investigated. The state-controlled newspaper, The Herald, added that Reynolds was arrested for allegedly possessing pornographic material and violating immigration laws.

"He has been picked up. Investigations are still underway and revealing information will jeopardise investigations that are underway," said Makiba.

The Illinois Democrat served in the U.S. House from 1993 to 1995 but resigned after he was convicted of having sexual relations with an underage campaign worker.

He also went to prison after being convicted of fraud for concealing debts to obtain bank loans and diverting money intended for voter registration drives into his election campaign.

Reynolds was replaced in Congress by Jesse Jackson Jr. but in 2012 tried to regain his seat when his successor resigned, citing ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder. Jackson is currently serving time in a North Carolina federal prison on a conviction of misusing campaign funds.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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