BLM-backed federal candidate charged with wire fraud scheme
Peterson was the only candidate supported by the BLM PAC
Share and speak up for justice, law & order...
The only federal candidate backed by the Black Lives Matter PAC this election cycle is now facing a wire fraud charge for routing campaign and party funds to outside individuals and companies, and using the money on personal expenses, including gambling.
Fox News reported that the Black Lives Matter PAC, a BLM Global Network Foundation-affiliated committee, in July 2021 pushed more than $100,000 into independent expenditures backing Karen Carter Peterson's failed attempt at entering Congress in Louisiana's 2nd district.
Peterson, a former Louisiana Democratic Party chair and state senator, resigned from the state senate in April, citing her mental health and gambling addiction.
Peterson was charged this month in federal court with one count of wire fraud for using campaign and party monies on personal expenses.
Peterson's seven-year scam allegedly involved diverting state campaign and party cash to four individuals and four companies, which reportedly cashed the checks and provided Peterson with most or all of the funds, according to the Louisiana Illuminator.
Peterson then used the money on personal expenses, including gambling-related costs. She also filed "false and misleading" campaign finance reports that "mischaracterized expenditures as being for legitimate purposes related to her campaign or the holding of public office," the Justice Department wrote in a July 14 press release.
Peterson publicly addressed the charges that same day and apologized for her actions.
"Today marks an important step in my life-long recovery as I continue to address my gambling addiction," Peterson wrote on Twitter. "I sincerely apologize for the impact from my compulsive behavior resulting from this addiction."
"I have made full repayment of funds used as a result of my addiction and I will continue to make amends," she added. "Staying true to the steps of my ongoing recovery, I have been forthright, honest, and fully cooperative with the US Attorneys' Office in their investigation."
Peterson, who is scheduled to appear in federal court on Aug. 1, faces up to 20 years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, the Justice Department said in the press release.
Tags: Black Lives MatterfraudKaren Carter Peterson
Law Officer
Law Officer is the only major law enforcement publication and website owned and operated by law enforcement—for law enforcement and supporters of justice, law, and order. This unique facet makes Law Officer much more than just a publishing company, but a true advocate for the law enforcement profession.
Sharon Osbourne wants her $900,000 donation back from BLM
Black Lives Matter leader accused of stealing $10M from organization
BLM gave $200,000 to group whose leader calls cops 'pigs'
Clinton associates leave Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter faces lawsuit over use of donations
BLM buys another $6 million California mansion
America is hemorrhaging from the heart, but there is a solution
Ivy League-educated attorney who helped firebomb NYPD patrol car during riots sentenced to prison
Major drug dealer busted with over 65,000 fentanyl pills in Twin Cities
Police search for gunman after 3 killed, 4 critically wounded in Los Angeles shooting
California water polo coach sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually assaulting nine teenage athletes
Paul Pelosi attacker David DePape makes incriminating phone call to San Francisco TV station
Subscribe—and get the latest news and editorials direct from Law Officer each week!
[newsletter_form type="minimal"]
BE COURAGEOUS
FIND MORE… Select Category Archives Chaplain Chauvin Trial Community Cop Humor Courageous Leadership Crime & Controversy Editorial EVOC Featured Gear & Technology Investigations Laws & Legal Leadership Minnesota Local News Newsletter Archive NPA Officer Down On Duty Op-ed recruiting Reference Tactics Training Tulsa Local Wauwatosa Local