Jul 30, 2012
Congressman Vern Buchanan, NRCC Finance Chairman, To Testify Under Oath
Congressman Vern Buchanan, Finance Chairman for the NRCC, will “have to testify under oath in a lawsuit involving his former business partner who alleges Buchanan was the architect of a plan to violate federal elections laws” according to WTSP. Congressman Buchanan faces ongoing investigations by the FBI, IRS and a federal grand jury for his roles in a scheme to funnel money from his corporations into his campaign coffers and tax evasion. CNN recently reported that the “federal investigations underway could result in Buchanan serving his next term behind bars.” This is the first time Buchanan will face deposition in the case.
WHO: Congressman Vern Buchanan, NRCC Finance Chairman
WHAT: Testify Under Oath
WHEN: Monday, July 30 and Tuesday, July 31
WHERE: Orlando, FL 32801
All details based on published reports from WTSP and the Sarasota News Leader. Please contact Congressman Buchanan’s office at (941) 951-6643 to confirm details and/or find out about media availability.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND
Buchanan deposition scheduled for Monday morning. “If everything goes as planned, at 10 a.m. Mon., July 30, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan will walk into a U.S. Legal Support office in Orlando and be deposed under oath.” His former business partner testified “Buchanan was engaged in fraud, evasion of U.S. income tax, and conspiracy to evade taxes.” [Sarasota News Leader, 7/26/12; 7/28/12; WTSP, 6/19/12, 6/19/12]
Buchanan Is Under Investigation by the FBI, IRS, and a Federal Grand Jury. “Federal inquiries surrounding Mr. Buchanan appear to be widening, as investigators examine allegations that his companies improperly reimbursed contributors to his campaigns and claimed improper tax deductions and that he failed to include all his varied financial interests in his Congressional disclosure reports […] agents for the F.B.I. and the Internal Revenue Service recently contacted former employees alleging financial improprieties by Mr. Buchanan […] A federal grand jury in Tampa is hearing evidence in the case as well.” [New York Times, 2/24/12]
Powerful congressman accused of campaign finance violations. “Federal investigations underway could result in Buchanan serving his next term behind bars. CNN has confirmed there are no fewer than four congressional and federal investigations into Buchanan's business practices, his campaign finances and his alleged attempt to try to stop a witness from talking.” [CNN, 6/22/12]
Buchanan “more likely than not” violated federal election laws. “According to the FEC general counsel’s final report, the evidence in the case ‘comes close to supporting a finding that it is more likely than not’ that Buchanan had violated federal election laws.” [Sarasota Tribune Herald, 1/20/12]
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