accusations in unsealed 28 count indictment also include 11 items of money laundering as well as one count of financial institution fraud.
The indictment filed on 4 August says Cox plotted to fund and reimburse people next to him for donations to his campaign, according to a statement from the Ministry of Justice. federal laws are not allow “conductor” or “straw” donations, in which someone makes a political contribution through someone else to their own campaign.
Between 2013 and 2018, Cox stole $1.7 million from companies he was associated with, according to the Justice Department. with and their clients in unauthorized bank accounts he created. If convicted of electronic fraud and money laundering coke could face 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Mark Coleman who represents Cox, told The Washington Post his client pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in US District Court for Eastern District of California. The authorities released him from custody, and he next hearing set for 12 October.
Coleman added this coke plans “set a strict defense”.
The 28-count indictment alleges that Cox received a mortgage loan. money after submitting a fabricated bank statements to the creditor. Although he allegedly told the creditor that property would be his primary residence, Cox bought it and rented it out to someone else, the Justice Department said.
Is not first time the Cox residence was under scrutiny.
In 2018 when he ran in close race against Rep. David G. Valadao (R), Cox has declared two houses his primary residence – one in Bethesda, Maryland, and others in Fresno, Calif. – So far only federal tax laws. allow claimant one.
At the time, Cox’s staff said it was “an honest mistake”.
Cox ran against Valadao once more in 2020 and lost by a small margin. This year he decided not run, instead approving Rudy Salas (D).
Dana Hedgepet contributed to this report.
