GOP Rep. Fortenberry Announces Resignation Following Conviction for Lying to FBI
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Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) will resign from Congress after being convicted on Thursday for three felony counts of lying to the FBI about illegal contributions his campaign received.
In a letter obtained by the Washington Post, Fortenberry told his colleagues on Saturday that his last day in office will be March 31.
“It has been my honor to serve with you in the United States House of Representatives,” Fortenberry wrote. “It has been my pleasure to call many of you friends. May God bless you as you labor for the good of our country, help those in need, and strive for what is right and just.”
The conviction stems from a 2016 fundraiser Fortenberry held for his reelection during which he received about $30,000 from straw donors compensated by Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire Gilbert Chagoury, who is prohibited from contributing to campaigns as a foreign national.
It is additionally illegal to disguise a donor’s identity by funneling contributions through a third-party.
Although, Fortenberry was not the only lawmaker to receive illegal contributions bankrolled by Chagoury — including Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and former Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) — he was the only lawmaker charged in the case due to false statements he gave investigators.
“After learning of illegal contributions to his campaign, the congressman repeatedly chose to conceal the violations of federal law to protect his job, his reputation and his close associates,” United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison said in a statement. “The lies in this case threatened the integrity of the American electoral system and were designed to prevent investigators from learning the true source of campaign funds.”
Fortenberry could face up to five years in prison per charge, though he has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal, per the Post.
Fortenberry, who stepped down from his committee posts in October when he was indicted, faced calls to step down in the wake of his conviction.
“When someone’s convicted it’s time to resign,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said on Friday, adding that he could appeal as a private citizen.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that “Congressman Fortenberry’s conviction represents a breach of the public trust and confidence in his ability to serve. No one is above the law.”
