D’Souza declines potential plea deal in illegal political donations charges

On Tuesday, defense lawyers representing political commentator Dinesh D'Souza had given hints to the judge that their client will most likely not take a plea deal with regard to the criminal case filed against him. New York Daily News said that D'Souza has been formally charged with placing illegal donations in 2012 to a college classmate in Dartmouth, Wendy Long.

Reuters said Long is a Republican who has eyed for a seat at the US Senate, but lost to Democratic Kirsten Gillibrand in New York. New York Daily News added that US Attorney Preet Bharara had filed the case against the commentator in January this year.

D'Souza was present during a court appearance on Tuesday in New York. He reportedly did not speak the entire time, and opted his lawyers to speak on his defense.

One of his lawyers, Benjamin Brafman, told the court, "My guess is we'll see you at the trial. There is not a scintilla of evidence that this was a corrupt endeavor by Mr. D'Souza."

Reuters said that Assistant US Attorney Carrie Cohen claimed that D'Souza contributed a total of $20,000 in August 2012 via two individuals and their spouses for Long's political campaign. Cohen added that D'Souza had reimbursed the couples of the amounts they have contributed in his behalf to his classmate. Cohen claimed that one of D'Souza had lived with him at the time, and the other was working for the political commentator.

The news agency said D'Souza is facing violations regarding contributions to political candidates. At that time, the law stated that an individual can only contribute up to $5,000 per race and a maximum of $2,500 for primary campaigns and $2,500 for general election campaigns.

D'Souza, Reuters said, is a known critic of US President Barack Obama. The 52-year-old Mumbai native and former policy adviser to President Ronald Reagan reportedly directed a 2012 film that warn viewers of the consequences should Obama land a second term at the White House.

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Dinesh D'Souza trial, US Attorney's Office, Wendy Long

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