Nearly 18 months after his arrest for fraud and money laundering, former Congressmember TJ Cox’s case could be coming to a close.

A new federal court document reveals that the U.S. Attorney offered Cox a plea deal, but it does not provide details.

“The defendant received and is considering the government’s plea offer. The parties are in active negotiations on a resolution,” states a motion to continue the case.

Cox’s attorney, Mark Coleman, said they are awaiting more information from the government.

“The parties anticipate that prior to the next status conference date they will request either a change of plea hearing or a trial date,” the filing said.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara McAuliffe delayed a March 27 status conference until May 22. It is the seventh time the case has been continued since Cox pleaded not guilty to 28 counts. But, it is the last time, the judge said.

“The Court will not grant further continuances, absent good cause, which will be narrowly construed, and will set a trial date at the next status conference if the case is not resolved in advance of that status hearing,” McAuliffe wrote in a court filing.

To show she meant business, McAuliffe underlined the above passage. In essence, the judge told Cox to accept a plea deal or go to trial.

Cox served one term in Congress, from 2019 to 2021. He was later arrested by the FBI in 2022 and accused, among other things, of diverting money from his businesses into “off-the-books” bank accounts. Cox is accused of stealing money from clients of his business consulting business. He is also accused of falsifying documents to receive business loans and illegal campaign contributions.

Related Story: Feds Say Cox Laundered Campaign Contributions Through Family Members

Pot Retailer Advances Out of Planning Commission

A marijuana retailer survived an appeal challenge to opening a shop across the street from the Fresno Fairgrounds.

The city of Fresno Planning Commission denied an appeal and approved conditions for Fresno Farms to open at 4555 E. Kings Canyon Road. City Councilmember Luis Chavez appealed the retailer’s permit, to allow a discussion on the impact of the retailer, and allow for public comment.

This is the proposed second location for Fresno Farms. Their initial application put them across the street from the under-construction Farber Educational Campus on Ventura Avenue. That was too close to a school based on the city code.

Planning commission members were concerned about security during high-traffic events at the fairgrounds. They required Fresno Farms to hire extra security during the weeks of the Big Fresno Fair and Hmong New Year.

The vote was 4-1, with Peter Vang, Brad Hardie Pastor DJ Criner, and Monica Diaz supporting. Kathy Bray opposed. Haley Wagner and Jacqueline Lyday were absent.