Former CEO accused of embezzling $3 million (circumvented election laws)

[Bushfire]

By GINA BARTON
[e-mail]
Posted: Oct. 12, 2004

The former CEO of one of the area's largest home builders embezzled more than $3 million from his employer -- then donated more than $70,000 of that to political campaigns, according to documents filed Tuesday in federal court in Milwaukee.

Robert G. Brownell, who served as the top executive at Bielinski Homes until three months ago, is accused of illegally funneling money to the campaigns of President George W. Bush, U.S. Senate candidate Russ Darrow and former Gov. Scott McCallum, according to the documents. Brownell, 43, of Waukesha, is charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, both felonies.

snip

According to statements Mann gave the FBI, the relationships among Brownell - who was paid $175,000 a year as CEO of Bielinski Brothers - and his co-conspirators included the trading of financial favors. One of those arrangements was a scheme to circumvent campaign finance law, according to the complaint.

"For example, if a campaign contribution limit was $1,000 per person, additional nominal contributors would be utilized to exceed this limit. The reimbursements would come from corporate funds," according to the affidavit of FBI Special Agent John Klugiewicz.

In this manner, Bush received $31,000; Darrow received $22,000 toward his Republican primary campaign for U.S. Senate, which he lost to Tim Michels; and McCallum received $21,500 for his failed gubernatorial re-election campaign, according to the affidavit.

much more...

http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/oct04/266102.asp

including a U.S. Attorney appointed by *.

[truthisfreedom]

1. most of bush's money came from such schemes (reimbursement.) you can

bet on it.

[Roy]

2. No bet, Sir....

This is why these folks fight so viciously for power.
Their concentrate not in putting in position those who are charged with investigating and prosecution of such crimes. So, even if caught to escape accountability.

(snip)
"McCallum and Darrow, however, may not have that option since they lost their respective races.

"If you're aware of these things, you cut them off at the pass, but the campaign is long over now," McCallum said Tuesday.
(snip)

Is he laughingly suggesting that since he's not in office he cannot be financially held to account?

[Judi Lynn]

3. At least this one was caught! It's a wonder the prosecutor wasn't labeled

a "turrust." If ONLY Brownell will be found guilty, and start serving those 20 years, and paying the maximum $500,000.00. Maybe we'll get lucky.

From the article:

The conspiracy alleged in the complaint involves more than just the one person charged," U.S. Attorney Steven M. Biskupic said late Tuesday. "As a result, the investigation continues into all aspects of the case, including the political donations."

Biskupic and the three politicians named in the complaint all are Republicans, and Bush appointed Biskupic to the U.S. attorney's post.

Bush spokeswoman Merrill Smith said she had not heard the allegations until contacted by a Journal Sentinel reporter Tuesday.

"Should it be determined that any donation was made illegally, those funds will be returned immediately," she said.

McCallum and Darrow, however, may not have that option since they lost their respective races.
(snip/...)

Isn't it a pity McCallum and Darrow took the money and yet LOST?

[4morewars]

4. Bush spokeswoman Merrill Smith said ...

Bush spokeswoman Merrill Smith said she had not heard the allegations until contacted by a Journal Sentinel reporter Tuesday.

Oh really ???? Funny how the bush spokespeople never seem to know anything.
-----------------------------------
"Should it be determined that any donation was made illegally, those funds will be returned immediately," she said.

A little late for that , is it not?

[napi21]

5. No, it's not to late! Give it back...NOW!

Sure, there's more $$ and it wouldn't hurt the campaign, but it sure would hurt the image!

[4morewars]

6. ooooooooooooo, I like that !

One would think that they would wish to avoid any appearance of illegal fund raising, but one would be wrong.

[Bushfire]

7. Give it back...NOW!

I cannot agree more...and would hope national media picks this story up quick!