(Los Angeles, CA) -- A former Nebraska Congressman is avoiding jail time after being found guilty of lying to the FBI.
On Tuesday, Jeff Fortenberry was sentenced in a Los Angeles courtroom to two years probation and a $25,000 fine. In March, Fortenberry was found guilty by a jury of lying to the FBI about illegal campaign contributions made during a 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors had asked for prison time, while Fortenberry's lawyers argued for probation.
During sentencing, Federal Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. said that although Fortenberry had, “turned a blind eye and a deaf ear” to the fact that his donations were illegal, that he is, “a man of exceptional character.” In addition to probation, Fortenberry will also be required to perform 320 hours community service.
Fortenberry says he will be appealing the sentence.