NewsPolitical

Actions

Nebraska U.S. Rep. Fortenberry alleges prosecutor misled his lawyer

U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, 2019, Capitol Hill
Posted at 12:36 PM, Dec 01, 2021
and last updated 2021-12-01 13:36:44-05

OMAHA, Neb. — U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska is asking a judge to toss out statements he made to federal authorities who were investigating illegal campaign contributions.

RELATED: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry formally charged with scheme to deceive federal investigators

The nine-term Republican alleges that a prosecutor made assurances that Fortenberry wasn't their target. A motion filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in central California alleges that Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Jenkins persuaded Fortenberry to speak with him by assuring his lawyer at the time that Fortenberry wasn't a "target" of the investigation.

Fortenberry's current attorney argues that, without the prosecutor's assurances, they never would have agreed to the interview. Fortenberry has denied the charges.

Federal prosecutors plan to respond to allegations made by the congressman in court filings.

Download our apps today for all of our latest coverage.

Get the latest news and weather delivered straight to your inbox.