Another letter purporting to be from a staffer was sent to media outlets last week, but not to POLITICO, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. | josh4congress.com Gottheimer: Capitol Police investigating ‘fraudulent’ resignation letter

A “fraudulent” resignation letter purporting to be from Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) was sent to numerous New Jersey elected officials today and the United States Capitol Police are investigating, according to Gottheimer.

It wasn’t the only letter of its kind, Gottheimer said.


“Over the last week, fraudulent letters appearing to be written by me and a member of my staff were mailed to elected officials and media outlets. The content of these letters is completely untrue,” the congressman said in a statement.

POLITICO obtained a copy of one of the letters that was purportedly written by Gottheimer, on what appears to be official Gottheimer stationery. It contains salacious allegations that POLITICO chose not to promote, since Gottheimer said the letter was forged and claimed he would resign.

Another letter purporting to be from a staffer was sent to media outlets last week, but not to POLITICO, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

“This disgusting smear campaign is a violation of federal law and is being criminally investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police,” said Gottheimer, who represents the 5th Congressional District in North Jersey. “I am confident that they will quickly identify and pursue charges against the perpetrators responsible for this crime. At the same time, I am outraged that a dedicated member of my staff has been dragged into this cowardly attack on me.”

A message left for a spokesperson for the Capitol Police was not immediately returned.

Gottheimer is facing a tough reelection this year, with a primary challenger having announced her campaign against him today and several Republicans vying to run against him in the general election should he win his primary.