In a statement to KLIN News, Chad Kolton, a spokesman for Nebraska U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry released this information following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld.
“This case still has enormous flaws, which have existed from the earliest days of the investigation and remain even after today’s decision. Mr. Fortenberry has always had great faith in the American people’s ability to judge what is fair and just. Nebraskans will see this case clearly for what it is: a California prosecutor’s attempt to use deceptive investigative tactics to set up a widely-respected Member of Congress.”
Judge Blumenfeld rejected Fortenberry’s attempts to dismiss charges in a federal indictment that accused him of making false statements to federal agents investigating an illegal foreign donation of $30,000 to his campaign in 2016. The motions to dismiss were denied Monday.
Fortenberry pleaded not guilty to the charges and the trial is set to start in February.