Fortenberry Found Guilty

By Gordon HopkinsNebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R), District 1, was found guilty on all counts in a Los Angeles, California, courtroom on Thursday, March 24, 2022.The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before declaring the nine-term Congressman guilty of three charges: one count of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and two counts of making false statements to federal investigators, stemming from an investigation into $30,000 in illegal contributions to Fortenberry’s re-election campaign made by a foreign billionaire in early 2016.Fortenberry, first announced in 2021 that he was being investigated by the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) by posting a video on the video-sharing website, YouTube, sitting in a 1963 Ford pickup along with his wife, Celeste Fortenberry, and his dog, Pippin.According to a statement from the FBI released in 2021, “The indictment alleges that Fortenberry repeatedly lied to and misled authorities during a federal investigation into illegal contributions to Fortenberry’s re-election campaign made by a foreign billionaire in early 2016. Gilbert Chagoury, a foreign national prohibited by federal law from contributing to any U.S. elections, arranged for $30,000 of his money to be contributed through other individuals (conduits) to Fortenberry’s campaign during a fundraiser held in Los Angeles, according to the indictment.”It is illegal for foreign nationals to make contributions to a federal campaign.Prior to the trial, Fortenberry, announced his intention to seek a 10th term in office. Fortenberry has served in Congress since 2005.State Senator Mike Flood (Distict 19) has announced his intention to run against Fortenberry in the 2022 election. Flood cited concerns that Fortenberry's legal woes would keep him from focusing on re-election.Flood is the founder and CEO of Flood Communications, which owns KUTT, aka Ol' Red 99.5, licensed in Fairbury, and News Channel Nebraska (NCN). He served as Speaker of the Legislature from 2007 to 2013.Governor Pete Ricketts has endorsed Flood.Fortenberry is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28. According to the US Attorney’s office, each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.Fortenberry has already announced his intention to appeal the verdict and said he is reviewing whether or not to continue his re-election campaign.

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