LINCOLN — Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has signaled potential congressional scrutiny into the prosecution of former Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. In a letter sent Thursday to federal prosecutors in California, Jordan raised concerns about whether Fortenberry’s case was politically motivated.
The letter, sent on Judiciary Committee letterhead, calls for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles to preserve records related to decision-making in the case. Jordan referenced allegations by Fortenberry’s lawyers that the prosecution was politically driven, accusing the lead prosecutor of misleading the defense about Fortenberry’s status in the investigation.
Fortenberry, a Republican, was convicted in 2022 of lying to FBI agents about illegal foreign contributions to his 2016 campaign and of concealing the donations. The charges stemmed from recorded conversations between Fortenberry, an FBI informant, and federal agents. However, his conviction was overturned in 2023 by an appeals court, which ruled the charges were improperly filed in California rather than in Nebraska or Washington, D.C., where the alleged lies occurred.
Federal prosecutors have denied political motivations, citing similar prosecutions of Democratic lawmakers. Fortenberry’s trial in California resulted in a guilty verdict on three felony charges, with the jury deliberating for just two hours. He was sentenced to probation, community service, and fined, though prosecutors had sought a six-month prison term.
The illegal campaign contributions in question originated from Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, who funneled $30,000 to Fortenberry’s campaign. Chagoury admitted to the illegal donations and was fined $1.8 million. Defense attorneys argued that Fortenberry’s misstatements were unintentional and irrelevant to the broader investigation. Critics, however, contend that he knowingly violated campaign finance laws.
Jordan’s letter questions the Department of Justice’s decision to potentially refile charges against Fortenberry in Washington, D.C. This development comes amid broader efforts by House Republicans to investigate whether prosecutions of Republicans under the Biden administration, including former President Donald Trump, were politically motivated.
Democrats argue that these inquiries risk undermining the independence of federal agencies tasked with enforcing the law. Fortenberry’s case, however, began under the Trump administration, though he was charged during President Joe Biden’s term. Jordan, a Trump ally, has previously called the Fortenberry case a “setup.” Trump himself has criticized the prosecution, labeling it “unfair” during rallies in Michigan and Nebraska.
As legal proceedings continue, the next hearings in Fortenberry’s case are scheduled for late January, with a jury trial set for early February. The Justice Department has declined to comment on Jordan’s letter.
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