More DOJ Prosecutions of Illegal Contributions
Date: October 3, 2016
Over the past few years, the Department of Justice has aggressively prosecuted illegal campaign contributions, particularly those that involve conduit schemes. That trend has continued in recent months –
- In June, Bilal Shehu, a New Jersey man, pleaded guilty to receiving $80,000 from a foreign national and contributing it to an Obama joint fundraising committee. The goal of the scheme was for a foreign citizen to get a meeting with President Obama. Sentencing is set for October.
- In August, the father of Rep. Ami Bera was sentenced to 18 months in prison for funneling illegal contributions to his son’s congressional campaigns. The elder Mr. Bera reimbursed over $268,000 in donations made during the 2010 and 2012 elections by approximately 90 straw donors around the country, including relatives and friends.
- In September, a Mexican national and two U.S. citizens were convicted of making illegal contributions to campaigns in San Diego. Among other things, contributions were funneled through straw donors and the foreign national paid for consulting services provided to candidates.