Jesse Benton Donor Scandal Linked to Donald Trump

You just knew this was going to happen,.

Donald Trump, who wouldn't recognize Jesse Benton if they were put into a police lineup together, is being linked to Benton and his latest asinine maneuver.

The Telegraph writes:

Donald Trump campaigner faces court over role in foreign donor scandal

A prominent campaigner for Donald Trump is facing court action over his role in a fundraising scandal exposed by the Telegraph.

US prosecutors reported Jesse Benton for breaching the terms of his probation for a recent conviction when he met reporters to allegedly seek an illicit donation from a foreign backer.

The Department of Justice warned that "media reports, along with video clips, alleged Mr Benton attempted to gain funding from foreign entities for President Elect Donald Trump's campaign", according to court filings..

In October the Telegraph revealed how Mr Benton had held talks with its reporters to broker an illicit $2million donation from a Chinese businessman to the Great America PAC, one of the leading "independent" groups that organised television advertisements and grassroots support for Mr Trump during the election campaign.

Foreign nationals are banned from making donations in connection with US elections.

But Mr Benton said the Chinese donor's identity would be "whispered into Mr. Trump's ear"..

A report by Mr Benton's probation officer, filed at the US District Court in Des Moines, Iowa, said:  "On November 30, 2016, the Public Integrity Unit, in Washington DC, informed the Probation Office that Mr Benton travelled from  Washington DC to New York, on October 13, 2016.

"Mr Benton's travel to New York was not authorised by the Probation Office. Additionally, the Public Integrity Unit advised that while in New York, Mr Benton met with reporters posing as undercover foreign representatives of a wealthy Chinese businessman.

"Media reports, along with video clips, alleged Mr Benton attempted to gain funding from foreign entities for President Elect Donald Trump's campaign."

Mr Benton denied any “unethical” behaviour after being questioned in October about his behaviour.

The Justice Department wants a court date to request penalties for Benton beyond the probation officer admonishment:

[P]rosecutors have formally objected to a decision by his probation officer to take no further action beyond the admonishment.

Papers signed by Richard Pilger, director of the Department of Justice's election crimes branch,on December 12 said the department "objects [to the proposed action] and will petition the court requesting that a formal hearing be set".

To make clear, Jesse was not a "prominent campaigner for Donald Trump." It is doubtful he has even been in the lobby of Trump Tower, ever.

The Oct. 13 meeting in New York came less than a month after Benton was sentenced in a Des Moines courtroom to two years probation for convictions stemming from his under the table payoff activities as chairman of former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul's 2012 presidential campaign. Paul is the grandfather of Benton's wife.

Benton managed the 2010 general election campaign of Rand Paul, the uncle of Benton's wife, and McConnell's 2014 re-election campaign. He resigned from McConnell's campaign once allegations about his role in Ron Paul's presidential race came to light.

 -RW