Former Treasurer Sentenced for Attempted Extortion

Former Treasurer Sentenced for Attempted Extortion

HARRISBURG – In a move that sends a stark message to corrupt public officials, former Pennsylvania State Treasurer Robert M. McCord was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for attempting to extort campaign contributions from two companies.

McCord, 59, was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and report to the Bureau of Prisons on October 29, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III. This is a stark reminder that public corruption will not be tolerated.

According to the investigation, McCord attempted to extort campaign contributions from a law firm and a property management company while he was running for Governor in 2014. He threatened to use his position as State Treasurer to interfere with the business of the companies if they failed to make sufficient campaign contributions.

U.S. Attorney David J. Freed condemned McCord’s actions, stating, ‘As Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and a candidate for Governor, McCord attempted to obtain political contributions by threatening retaliation against those who refused.’

Freed continued, ‘McCord’s official actions to benefit his friends and punish his foes compromised the integrity of the Treasury and directly damaged the citizens of Pennsylvania.’

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio, William S. Houser, and Gordon A. D. Zubrod prosecuted the case.

The FBI’s Philadelphia Division Special Agent in Charge, Michael T. Harpster, stated, ‘Rob McCord crossed the line from fundraising to felonies, when he attempted to extort potential donors to fund his gubernatorial campaign.’

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation’s, Special Agent in Charge, Guy Ficco, added, ‘McCord broke the law and the trust placed in him by the public when he attempted to extort campaign contributions.’