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A federal jury in Los Angeles has convicted Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of three felony counts for lying to the FBI about a 2016 foreign campaign contribution.Fortenberry was found guilty of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts, along with two counts of making false statements to federal investigators. The three felony charges in the indictment each carry a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28.”It was certainly very vindicating to see the hard work of the federal agents and the U.S. Attorney’s office roundly supported by the jury’s verdict,” federal prosecutor Mack Jenkins said outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced.Jenkins added that the verdict shows that its “paramount” lawmakers follow the law and are held accountable.Jurors deliberated for about two hours before the decision was announced. Fortenberry said he plans to appeal the verdict.”We always felt like it was gonna be hard to have a fair process,” Fortenberry said outside the courthouse.Prosecutors said Fortenberry concealed information from FBI investigators as they questioned the Congressman about illegal foreign contributions to Fortenberry’s 2016 re-election campaign.In closing arguments, US Attorney Susan Har said Fortenberry “… chose to conceal the truth, he chose to lie to federal investigators when they came to ask question … believing his status and privilege as a congressman would shield him from his choices.”Prosecutors again walked the jury through the June 2018 phone call with Dr. Elias Ayoub, the fundraiser host in Los Angeles. On that call, Ayoub told Fortenberry about the foreign campaign contributions. They played those interviews again too, pointing out what they argue are Fortenberry’s lies — that’s what he’s on trial for.Stay with KETV for updates on this developing story
LOS ANGELES —
A federal jury in Los Angeles has convicted Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of three felony counts for lying to the FBI about a 2016 foreign campaign contribution.
Fortenberry was found guilty of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts, along with two counts of making false statements to federal investigators.
The three felony charges in the indictment each carry a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28.
“It was certainly very vindicating to see the hard work of the federal agents and the U.S. Attorney’s office roundly supported by the jury’s verdict,” federal prosecutor Mack Jenkins said outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced.
Jenkins added that the verdict shows that its “paramount” lawmakers follow the law and are held accountable.
Jurors deliberated for about two hours before the decision was announced. Fortenberry said he plans to appeal the verdict.
“We always felt like it was gonna be hard to have a fair process,” Fortenberry said outside the courthouse.
Prosecutors said Fortenberry concealed information from FBI investigators as they questioned the Congressman about illegal foreign contributions to Fortenberry’s 2016 re-election campaign.
In closing arguments, US Attorney Susan Har said Fortenberry “… chose to conceal the truth, he chose to lie to federal investigators when they came to ask question … believing his status and privilege as a congressman would shield him from his choices.”
Prosecutors again walked the jury through the June 2018 phone call with Dr. Elias Ayoub, the fundraiser host in Los Angeles. On that call, Ayoub told Fortenberry about the foreign campaign contributions. They played those interviews again too, pointing out what they argue are Fortenberry’s lies — that’s what he’s on trial for.
Stay with KETV for updates on this developing story
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