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FBI Arrests Former Democratic Congressman on Multiple Financial Fraud Charges

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The FBI arrested former Congressman TJ Cox on multiple charges related to financial fraud. His arrest took place last Tuesday at 08:30 a.m. and, according to a statement from the Department of Justice, the Democrat faces “15 counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, one count of financial institution fraud, and one count of campaign contribution fraud.”

The 59-year-old Californian was part of the 2018 “blue wave” in the House of Representatives and, with the support of then Vice President Joe Biden, unseated David Valadao as representative of the 21st district.

On that occasion, he obtained 50.38% of the votes, against 49.62% of his rival, which meant a difference of fewer than 1,000 votes. Two years later, the Republican regained his seat and defeated Cox by a margin of 1%.

FBI charges against TJ Cox

Turning to his arrest, the case remained in the hands of U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert of the Eastern District of California. If convicted on the 28 counts contained in the indictment, the former legislator could face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud and money laundering; a maximum of 30 years and $1 million for wire fraud involving a financial institution, and a maximum of 5 years with a $250,000 fine for campaign contribution fraud.

According to the DOJ release, Cox, “perpetrated multiple fraud schemes targeting companies he was affiliated with and their clients and vendors. Cox created unauthorized off-the-books bank accounts and diverted client and company money into those accounts through false representations, pretenses, and promises. From 2013 to 2018, across two different fraud schemes, Cox illicitly obtained over $1.7 million in diverted client payments and company loans and investments he solicited and then stole.”

In addition, while he was a candidate for Congress, the FBI accuses him of running a scheme to fund and reimburse family members and associates for donations to his campaign. Specifically, he allegedly arranged more than $25,000 in illegal campaign donations.

As for the seat held by Cox and currently held by Valadao, it was changed by redistricting from 19 to 22. The Republican was one of two congressmen who survived his primary despite voting in favor of the second impeachment of Donald Trump, and will face Democrat Rudy Salas in November.

Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]

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