Posted on 09/07/2010 5:59:29 AM PDT by iowamark
The former treasurer of the National Republican Congressional Committee pleaded guilty Friday to embezzling $845,000 from GOP campaign committees over a six-year period, during which he transferred cash from campaign accounts he controlled to his own bank account.
In a statement of offense filed Friday, Christopher J. Ward acknowledged that between 2001 and 2007, as treasurer of the NRCC and the committees created to run the annual President's Dinner fundraiser, he "stole approximately $844,718 by issuing unauthorized checks and wire transfers from the NRCC and political committee that were clients of his business" for his personal benefit. The government said Ward "caused to be issued numerous payments from the NRCC to bank accounts for the annual President's Dinner Committees, which he controlled, and subsequently transferred the same funds to his own bank accounts."
Ward also falsified NRCC reports to the Federal Election Commission; the NRCC has already agreed to pay a $10,000 fine for the false reports.
The statement of offense lists 18 committees that Ward stole money from, including $672,587 from the NRCC, $28,425 from the campaign of former Rep. Jerry Weller of Illinois and $41,000 from the leadership political action committee of former Puerto Rico Del. Luis Fortuno, all of which Ward has apparently agreed to pay back.
In a July agreement letter, U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein indicated to Ward's lawyers that Ward may face a sentence of up to three years in jail and pay a fine of up to $75,000, as well as forfeit his house. In August, Ward signed a document accepting those conditions.
Only three years for stealing $900,000? That’s $300,000/year, more than he earns as a crooked politician.
Do not give money to organizations.
Contribute to individual campaigns.
That way you know the money is going to those you support.
We are surrounded by crooks.
Plus his home, plus a $75K fine, plus never being hired by anyone but McDonald’s (or the democrats) for the rest of his life.
Hope he enjoyed his little jaunt living the high life with the funds he stole. He sure won’t be doing so in the future. Only proves the expression...”Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” no matter what party, where a person works, or what job they do. Shame on this man. But you can be sure we will hear more criticism offered about this in the liberal media, than will be said about any Dem thief...like Rangel.
I see we now we have a man whose name rhymes with “steal” sending us letters soliciting contributions.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.
Just remember that if your chosen candidate is an incumbent US Senator or US Representative, their campaign chests donate to the NRSC and the NRCC.
I forgot to add that these campaign chests ALSO donate to other individual incumbents.....including some that you may not like.
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