Three major Republican insiders are likely heading to prison — including the chief strategist of the pro-Donald Trump “Great America” super PAC.
And according to former Sen. Ron Paul, it’s all politically motivated.
The three men were convicted Thursday in a federal case alleging they conspired to cover up payments to a former Iowa state senator while they were serving as advisers to Paul’s 2012 presidential campaign.
Prosecutors have pursued charges since July 2015 when a grand jury first indicted the men.
Paul’s campaign chairman Jesse Benton, campaign manager John Tate, and deputy manager Dimitri Kesari argued they broke no laws when they paid a video production company, which passed on $73,000 to former Sen. Kent Sorenson.
Sorenson ended up dropping his support for candidate Michele Bachmann and endorsing Paul six days before the 2012 Iowa caucuses.
Benton joined the Great America PAC in March, and his addition was seen as an important pick-up for the Trump campaign, and his conviction could hurt the GOP nominee’s image.
It remains unclear what impact this will have on Benton’s role with the Great America super PAC, which has not yet commented on the conviction.
However, the men themselves insisted on their innocence. They said they were targeted because of their conservative politics and argued campaigns typically don’t identify payments to subcontractors of vendors.
The federal jury convicted Benton, Tate and Kesari of conspiracy, causing false campaign contribution reports to be filed to the Federal Election Commission and participating in a false statement scheme. Benton and Tate also were convicted of causing the campaign to file false records of the payments; Kesari, 50, of Leesburg, Virginia, was convicted of that charge last year.
Benton and his attorneys declined to comment after the jury verdict was announced in court following a seven-day trial. He hugged his wife in the hallway outside the courtroom as she sobbed. Benton is married to Ron Paul’s granddaughter, Valori Pyeatt.
Tate, 53, of Warrenton, Virginia, and his attorneys also declined to comment.
Kesari’s attorney, Jesse Binnall said he will appeal. He said federal prosecutors were overzealous in charging the men with actions that the FEC has not pursued in other campaigns.
“What they did here doesn’t constitute a crime,” he said. “Nothing they did was wrong.”
Federal prosecutors said violating transparency laws leads to corruption and the FBI will aggressively pursue such cases.
“Concealing and falsely reporting campaign expenditures undermines the integrity and transparency of the federal election process,” Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said in a statement. “When political operatives secretly buy an elected official’s political support, it undermines public confidence in our entire political system.”
Sentencing will be set later. The judge continued their bond and the men walked out of the courtroom.
All three men face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charge of causing the campaign to file false records of the payments. The other three charges carry maximum prison sentences of five years each.
Ron Paul, who testified at the trail, said the men didn’t try to hide anything. He has long contended the prosecution was politically motivated toward the men, who have been active in political action groups and conservative tea party efforts.
Benton, 38, of Louisville, Kentucky, also managed the successful 2010 U.S. Senate campaign for Paul’s son, Rand Paul, in Kentucky. Benton took a leave of absence from America’s Liberty, a super PAC supporting Rand Paul’s presidential run, when the legal fight against the charges began last year. Rand Paul suspended his presidential bid in February.
Benton also served as campaign manager for Sen. Mitch McConnell’s 2014 re-election, but resigned that summer as the Iowa investigation intensified.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Just like the Koch brothers!
Hey media, put up Hell ary’s dirty laundry and show the world. Oh sorry, I forgot they do only what they are told to do. The media is trying to dirty Trump and keep her of no fault. Notice they never go past Hellary’s email incident and just a little said about Benghazi and Lybia but never more? Even Bernie Sanders has been easy on her, if he wasn’t she would not be in the race. Trump and Bernie I believe are good men. Israel will have a chance with these men in power. Hell ary only plays the woman card and gather to woman because she things they are easy to convince and they will believe anything she says because she is a woman. She must think women are really that stupid. Hell ary reminds me of the wolf in sheeps clothing or the snake in Trump’s story.
Trump will be like Michael in the Bible and keep the enemy down.
Hurt Trump’s image? He barely worked for Donald Trump and I’m guessing this was politically motivated. Typical Democrat tactics. Expect more of this garbage brought to you by the sleazy media.
Yep..totally right John. Some more politically motivated Dem junk..no one cares. Good try Dems, media, BORING.
I agree – it is nothing less than an attempt to discredit Any conservative
This could also be brought by the RNC/GOP ESTABLISHMENT. Remember they will do whatever it takes to be rid of Trump. There was something about the date; Trump declares if JUNE, 2015; Prosecutors try from JULY, 2015! HMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!! If this attempt fails, they likely have a dozen more attempts in the line-up.
Roger stone said this so called trump super PAC is a phony. Has nothing to do with trump. Jesse Benson is Ron Paul’s nephew
That could be true too Lola. Now rumors of cruz coming back iinto the race… OMG! That only shows Cruz is so unstabled. Back and forth and can’t make up his mind. LOL
Not to mention the HilLIARy has done far worse in all her lying and cover-ups and she is barely under the spotlight and will probably more than likely go unscathed.
Yep us gotta love it. She gets away with more felonies than any one person has had against them And these guys will get life probably because they are republicans. Makes no sense.
I was thinking the same thing about Hilary. Her time will come.
Wow no double standards with this reporting. The title makes it sound like Trump was behind this and responsible. How sad it is when they write these articles to make Trump look bad when he has or even knows anything about what these people are doing.
I see that most of the people who commented here saw right through this BS as well. Of course Hillary who leaves a trail of bodies,lies,theft and treasonous trails gets off with nothing being written about her in the liberal news media.
It was about something that was done while working for Ron Paul, but somehow they connect the wrong doing with Trump. lol what a bunch of corrupt bas tards we have running the world.
That’s what I was saying. The media won’t show her dirty laundry. Trump said the other day, she is protected. So someone in the W.H. is protecting her from being harmed in the media to keep her in this race because they need her to be in power so they can continue whatever they are doing. I am sure Trump has tried to expose her and found she is protected. That should show the world, she has alot to hide. Protected from being exposed. That doesn’t sound good and the people will soon catch on.
I have no idea the percent of our Country’s military vote in affecting our Country’s election but Hillary Rotten, I would guess, is on a par with Jane Fonda as being disliked by our Military. The lib machine will do everything possible to withhold the active overseas military vote as they literally hate H. Rotten. And, you can bet she’ll do everything possible to see that it’ll get lost on a ‘Slow boat to China.’
H. Rotten / Jane Fonda, two peas in a pod, as to which caused most deaths of our American Military?
That’s right if these men can be accused of this, well Jezebel Hillary Clinton is at the top of the list and the FBI better indict her because she has done this and more.
I agree John! The timing couldn’t be more obvious! It is amuzing but downright nasty tactics with a their “watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat ” techniques!
This is bad! They have convicted on what sounds like trumped up charges but they won’t & can’t seem to indict Hillary? Oh the dems are having a hay day w this one!
This came from The Associated Press what did expect?
Sounds like a Clinton Trick to win. This has NOTHING TO DO WITH TRUMP !!!!!!!!!!
Amen to that Kathy!!
John, Of course This Fiasco is Politically motivated ! But when you consider how many Under-handed tactics Both Parties have Pulled out of their hats.. ( In attempts to destroy their ”opposition…no matter how low the blow ! ) I`m a strong believer in the wisdom and far- thinking of the American Citizens…those who have faith in the fairness and right sense of justice…will see thru this maneuver as just one more Stumbling block ‘the Clinton band are up to Trying to use..to Stop Trump. It will not Work. For does NOT Have ANY bearing on Trump and His integrity. It is Sad that such as this is being dredged up >>NOW…now that it is Appearing so clearly that Trump is Far Outweighing His Opponent in this Race for the Presidency !! What kind of dirty Trick will they pull out of the hat next ?? This has no kin to Trump. He Is not guilty of Anything.. [ unless it is in him being a person who Will give his Best to The People… to.those who Work in his behalf, and to those who placed their Faith in HIM. ] It is a Fact that Trump is a Fighter.. And Nothing Will stop him from His Priority for Leading this Country ..TO A greatness we have not Seen in Far too Many YEARS Now.. Is it too late To Make A Come-Back ? I Sincerely Doubt it is . BUT,, More of the Same coming from the Bush-Clinton agendas ? That Would Be a disaster we do not Want repeating itself ! This Kind of “Dredging.. only Brings forth MORE resolve to “”Ordain ”” Trump !! Makes you Wonder Why THEY ? Are so HEP to Destroy Trumps’ Presidency !
They need to appeal the charges, and not just gather their belongings and check into the nearest jail.
And how come he resigned from Rand Paul campaign, only to joint Trump’s PAC ? – While still being under investigation – is this a definite sabotage attempt ?
Thought Trump didn’t need PAC – wanted to be own man!! Which is it??
Exactly. Those creeps will try anything to hurt Trump’s image.
It’s not at all unusual to find corruption within the political organizations of Democrats, why would it be any different with Trumps?
It wouldn’t except the timing is suspect and of they can prove these charges why the hell can’t they prove Clintons charges. Why? Because these poor guys don’t have an Obama protecting them at every turn in the road like Clinton. They don’t ha e “name recognition” like Clinton and they don’t have anything on someone high up that they can blackmail I to protecting them. What a broken justice system we havein this country to st NOTHING of how broken the political system is.
They should pay attention to Hillary Clinton and put her in jail what the hell is going on???
And nothing gets done to the clintons
Exactly, look at all the money hillary had taken from over seas under yhe guise of it being a donstoon to hrr orgabization and used for her running for president that has been proven and she is srtill illegal.
WHAT ELSE IS NEW
Funny how they will prosecute GOP members but let all of Hillary Clinton’s total Corruption go by the wayside!
The Dems turn a blind eye when it comes to Obama, Holder, Clinton, Warren Buffet & George Soros.
Wh y a.yone would be taken by here is beyond.me.
So it was Ron or the Don, ?
The media stirs the sh#t
What a bunch of ?????
Hey guys,
Ever seen those reversible tee shirts or jackets?
Well, the Dems and the Repubs are both part of the SAME reversible Tee.
They are ALL corrupt.
Occasionally some of them get caught (on either side).
But most get away (on both sides).
Both parties like it just the way it is (Status Quo).
Anybody who doesn’t see this and still believes that Trump (or this one or that one) is going to change things,
is either naive or incapable of independent thinking.
Dream on and keep hoping…and each new candidate will be just like all the others who went before them…
making promises they can;t keep (because its not in their hands anyway).
Maybe your right but if ANYONE can change it it has to be Trump. I’ll take a chance on him before anyone else we have to choose from. He can’t do any worse than what we have and at least he can try to make things better. We HAVE nothing to lose and everything to gain with Trump. And we have everything to lose and nothing to gain with Clinton or Sanders.
Go #Trump.
Trump just backed down on increasing taxes on rich, AFTER others called him obit!! He is bending to GOP demands!! Why can’t ya’ll see that!!
He hasn’t said that… I just heard him say he will increase tax on the rich and this is 5/11/16. I think they are taking his words and mixing them. That can also be done electronic. Also he will still put up the wall.
Hellary won’t do anything to put up any wall, she will still let illegals in like Obama. The ISIS cells are here in every state and whom let them in? And, why are they staging incident’s to take our metal protections away? Don’t let illusions trick you, this is what they want.
Simple Tripe.. take out the front runner you may have a chance….
When I was young and in Cuba the AP was already deforming the news by tilting the information to the absolute left. They were the favorite propaganda machine for the communists (the soviets first, and their minions fidel castro, raul castro, ernesto guevara and antonio nuñez-jimenez), the guy in charge of AP in Habana was also a communist but he left into exile when things got tough for him too. Mr. Trump does not have a super-pac working for him neither is he being financed by anybody but himself. The title was deceiving, please “Horn News” you do not need to get in the media gutter. Thank you.
Amen.
Wonder if the Feds will ever look into George Soros & his Foundations’ contributions to Obama & Clinton. We are talking $MILLIONS! Maybe it will happen after President Trump takes office.
Let’s investigate the Warren Buffet / Obama connection in the Keystone Pipeline deal.
That would be on TRUMPS must do list!!
How anyone could even Question WHY this hulla;ba; loo is being made here ( and Trying to tie it in to Having ANYTHING to Do with Trump…IS Beyond Imagination !…Unless.. THIS ? was A plant SET Up to muddy up Trumps` Camp ?? By his ” running scared opposition ?? Nothing like a ‘Trojan horse ”sliding thru the portals !! So..Come on Folks ! Lets `not be taken in by these Tactics that Really Can`t go any further. Discard !!
Is this more in the Obama administration’s JUST~US department prosecutions????
And the state of Hillary Clinton/The Clinton Foundation’s political contribution status is?????
Don’t hold your breath. It’s Chicago politics at it’s lowest possible level.
Just be glad this is the “MOST TRANSPARENT ADMINISTRATION IN HISTORY”. NOT!!!!!!!
It’s about as transparent as Obama’s skin pigmentation.
This PAC had nothing to do with Trump. They were just using his name to solicit. I worked on Ron Paul’s 2008 campaign and Benton seemed sleazy then. Weird power mongers attach themselves to campaigns-and muscle in to the top. I think Trump’s more savy than the Pauls in that regard.
Using Trump name to solicit for whom!!
I would much rather focus my attention on Hillary’s dirty deeds. Who cares about little fish when there is a shark swimming about? We can circle back later with a net for the guppies. Right now, I’d rather real in the real predator.
Watch, these guys will all go down hard to prove that no one is above the law, unless of course their name is Clinton.
I want to see REAL JUSTICE prevail.
I love the way, the media likes to try to hold Trump available for the actions of anyone affiliated with him, no matter how long they worked for him, or in what position they hold, yet, decade after decade, Hillary can get away with every crime in the book and she is directly involved? I wonder why?
When Hillary falls, I wonder how many big name politicians and bankers will fall with her …. especially if Trump wins the White House. I would love to find out!!!!
I’ve met Jesse Benton. He seemed like a nice guy. Although I’m not a Trump supporter, I don’t think it is fair to try to tarnish Trump’s image with what a campaign strategist did for an unrelated campaign.
In all honesty is sounds more like a Paul problem than a Trump problem!
Well there are criminals everywhere. Did they act independently of Trump, likely. who knows? Let’s let it be sorted out and see.
Yes they did. Trump already said he wants nothing to do with the superpacs. He’s still self funding.
Trump already denounced the superpacs that these fools decided to put together for him. He said he doesn’t need them and requested that they remove his name.
These men worked for the GOP for years. They were caught on Donald’s time to discredit him. More sour grapes from the losers.
Headlines, headlines, screwy headlines, if it weren’t for headlines no-body would even look at the articles. I am expecting nothing less than Obama trying to interfere with the voting process with all his power and I hope that Trump stays strong and ignores it all and become our next president.
Guess Obsma is to blame for your avid indigestion too!
On April 12th the Horn reported on Attorney General Paxton and his relationship with Ted Cruz as he was being charged/investigated over some investment fraud. And many viewers here were quick to jump on Cruz because of it. Well if Mr. Trump or Mr. Cruz are going to be involved in politics, then they’re certainly going to be involved with shady characters. These type of people seem to always hang around political campaigns. And most of what they do isn’t directly controlled by these candidates. In fact the candidates have no control over these Super PACs that spend money on behalf of the candidate’s campaign. Just the typical BS involved with political campaigns.
Running scared Hillary? You should be nice try.
What a surprise – the Obama Justice Department gets Tea Party persons convicted. How many Democrats did they go after for similar actions? None. Corruption on the part of the Justice Department!!! The Obama administration is the most corrupt in US history.
If this present administration accomplished nothing else..it surely had to be ‘rotten ‘ enough to grab the attention of the ””masses” …( and About Time, Wouldn`t ya Say ?? ) Or, are we going to Discard What We have Learned.. Just as Soon as THE Smell wafts Away ?? If that be the case, then This Country Deserves the Kind of ”leadership’ It has Been Trying to Survive.,…. for far Too Many Years To Count. If this country Ever did need a savvy Business Man…it is NOW ! NO..I don`t expect Him TRUMP ) to bail us out of the Barrell… with his Billions…But I Do expect him to know how we can work our own selves back up from The Bottom ( where these last twenty years of ”leadership” has placed us.. I don`t know about any one else but myself…but I Do believe A FEW Millions Others like Myself are looking in the same direction answers … Donald Trump… Our Next President..The Best Candidate for THE JOB !!!