By Jan Wolfe

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – A U.S. juror convicted U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry from Nebraska was found guilty of lying about his illegal donations to the 2016 election campaign by FBI investigators.

After a Los Angeles federal court trial, Fortenberry was found guilty of conspiring to conceal and falsify material facts. Additionally, Fortenberry was found guilty of two other counts, making false statements to federal investigators.

Prosecutors charged Fortenberry with lying to investigators about the $30,000 campaign contribution he received in 2016 form Gilbert Chagoury in Nigeria.

Federal law bans foreign nationals donating to federal electoral campaigns.

Fortenberry was not trying to deceive FBI agents, but was instead caught by surprise when they asked for an interview.

Prosecutors alleged that an associate who hosted a 2016 fundraiser for Fortenberry told him in a 2018 telephone call that the donations in question “probably did come from Gilbert Chagoury” but were routed through intermediaries to avoid individual donor limits.

U.S. Justice Department says that Fortenberry was not aware of any illegal donations when he was quizzed by FBI agents about his campaign contributions.

After the verdict was declared, Assistant U.S. attorney Mack Jenkins said to media that “if we want anyone to obey the law, it begins with them.”

“It’s more crucial when the investigation leads to elections integrity.”

Fortenberry, at 61 years old, is a Congressman since 2005.

These three felony offenses carry a maximum punishment of five years prison. The sentencing hearing will take place before U.S. district Judge Stanley Blumenfeld, Los Angeles.