In a recent announcement by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it was revealed that Michelle Bond, a former congressional candidate, has been indicted for conspiring to cause and causing unlawful campaign contributions in connection with her unsuccessful run for Congress in 2022.

According to the unsealed indictment, Bond, who was vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives to represent New York's first congressional district, allegedly financed her campaign through illegal means. Shortly after launching her campaign, Bond's romantic partner, identified as CC-1, orchestrated a sham consulting agreement between Bond and a now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange, through its Bahamas-based subsidiary. This agreement resulted in Bond receiving $400,000, which she illicitly used to fund her campaign.

Furthermore, between June and August 2022, CC-1 wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to Bond's personal bank account, which she also used for campaign financing. Bond and CC-1 discussed how CC-1 would cover the expenses for her campaign, with CC-1 being fully aware that Bond was using their funds to make significant loans and contributions. These actions violated federal campaign finance laws prohibiting corporate contributions, excessive contributions by an individual, and conduit contributions.

In an attempt to conceal her illicit activities, Bond allegedly made false statements to a congressional committee and the Federal Election Commission, as well as her employer at the time. On a financial disclosure form filed with the House Ethics Committee, Bond misrepresented the $400,000 payment as consulting income. However, in talking points prepared for a meeting with the board of her Trade Group, Bond admitted that the funds came from the cryptocurrency exchange and were intended for her campaign.

The indictment charges Bond, who is 45 years old and hails from Potomac, Maryland, with multiple counts, including conspiracy to cause unlawful campaign contributions, causing and accepting excessive campaign contributions, causing and receiving an unlawful corporate contribution, and causing and receiving a conduit contribution. If convicted, each of these crimes carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the significance of holding elected officials and candidates accountable for breaking the law, stating that misconduct during campaigns undermines public trust in American elections and representative government. FBI Acting Assistant Director Christie M. Curtis echoed these sentiments, highlighting that attempting to enter government positions through unlawful transactions and deception erodes the integrity and credibility of the legislative system.

The investigation and subsequent indictment were majorly conducted by the FBI, with Williams commending their outstanding investigative work. The case is being handled by the Office's Public Corruption Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Simon and Sheb Swett are leading the prosecution.

It is important to note that the charges included in the indictment are allegations, and Bond is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The sentencing for these charges will be determined by the judge overseeing the case.

This indictment serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in political campaigns and the commitment to upholding the integrity of the democratic process.