Philadelphia-area political consultant and attorney Kenneth Smukler, 57, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for his role in two campaign finance schemes announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The crimes, which occurred in the 2012 Democratic primary election for Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District and the 2014 Democratic primary election for Pennsylvania’s Thirteenth Congressional District, were uncovered through a long investigation. In the 2012 primary election, Smukler assisted and directed Jimmie Moore, a former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge, in executing a corrupt deal where Moore agreed to withdraw from the race in exchange for funds from the Bob Brady for Congress campaign to be used to pay off Moore’s campaign debts.
Smukler arranged for the Moore campaign to receive $90,000 from the Brady campaign through false documents and a series of concealing pass-throughs, including the consulting firm of D.A. Jones. Smukler ensured that the Brady campaign reported none of the concealed payments, which exceeded the federal contribution limits, to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The scheme was uncovered and Smukler was later convicted of one count of conspiracy, two counts of excessive campaign contributions, two counts of false statements, two counts of conduit contributions, one count of willfully causing a false statement to the FEC and one count of obstruction of justice.
In the 2014 primary election, Smukler committed federal campaign finance offenses for the benefit of another client, Marjorie Margolies, a former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Smukler caused the Margolies campaign to illegally spend general election funds in his attempt to win the primary election for his client. He further lied about his illegal spending to the campaign’s lawyer.
Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski stated that “When political operatives like Kenneth Smukler engage in hidden illegal campaign finance schemes, they undermine the integrity of the electoral process.” U.S. Attorney McSwain added that “In order to win at all costs, Smukler knowingly and purposefully undermined our democratic process by misusing campaign funds and lying about it.”
Smukler was sentenced on [no date specified] by the Honorable Jan E. DuBois. On Dec. 3, 2018, a jury found Smukler guilty of the aforementioned crimes. The sentence of 18 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release reflects the seriousness of the crimes.
The case against Smukler highlights the importance of preserving the integrity of the electoral process. As Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski noted, “This is a just sentence that reflects the seriousness of these crimes.”
U.S. Attorney McSwain expressed gratitude that the Court imposed a just sentence reinforcing the fact that corruption will never be tolerated. Smukler is currently serving his sentence.
In order to ensure transparency and accountability in politics, it is essential to investigate and prosecute cases of campaign finance abuse. The case against Smukler serves as a reminder that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions.
As the investigation and prosecution of Smukler demonstrate, the Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the electoral process and hold accountable those who undermine it.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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