– Ex-Republican Rep. Jeff Fortenberry from Nebraska has been accused of deceiving authorities regarding a $30,000 illegal campaign donation from a Nigerian billionaire.
– Fortenberry has been charged with lying to federal authorities about the campaign contribution.
– The Nigerian billionaire, Gilbert Chagoury, allegedly made the illegal donation in 2016 through a series of straw donations to Fortenberry’s campaign.
– Federal prosecutors claim that Fortenberry and his campaign staff were aware of the scheme and tried to conceal its true source by lying to investigators.
– Fortenberry is facing charges that could result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
– The case highlights ongoing issues of campaign finance violations and the influence of foreign money in US elections.
– Fortenberry has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to fight the charges in court.
– The investigation into the illegal campaign donation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.