(GV Wire Video/Jahz Tello)
- Former Congressman TJ Cox of Fresno agrees to plead guilty to two federal fraud charges.
- Federal judge Barbara McAuliffe set Jan. 27 to review the plea deal.
- As a Democratic congressman, Cox represented portions of the Central Valley from 2019 to 2021.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
At a hearing Wednesday before federal judge Barbara McAuliffe, attorneys for former U.S. Congressman TJ Cox said he and the U.S. Attorneys Office had reached a deal.
Cox faced 28 counts of fraud, money laundering, and campaign contribution violations. He agreed to plead guilty to two counts.
McAuliffe set Jan. 27 for the court to review the agreement.
Attorney Mark Coleman said the government reduced the charges to two fraud counts. A sentence could range from probation to 20 years in prison. However, it could be five months before the sentence is decided, Coleman said.
“You’re never happy when a client pleads guilty, but it gives us the opportunity to argue for a sentence we believe is appropriate,” Coleman said. “It allows the government to argue for a sentence they believe is appropriate. So, in a sense, the real work starts now.”
Related Story: TJ Cox, Wife File for Bankruptcy
‘People Sometimes Take Shortcuts’
The fraud charges come from Cox’s time as a business owner in the Central Valley. The government alleged that Cox used multiple bank accounts while he conducted business with Central Valley NMTC and California Custom Processors.
Cox previously said he wanted the case to go to trial. However, upon hearing that, federal prosecutor Henry Carbajal said a plea deal might not be on the table after December.
Changes to the deal revolved around conduct and culpability, Coleman said. He also said that Cox has been eager to get the case behind him.
“Anytime you’re in business, there are literally thousands of transactions, and people sometimes take shortcuts. Something he had to deal with,” Coleman said.
Part of the allegations involve a fraudulently acquired $1.5 million construction loan for work at Granite Park. Prosecutors had also accused Cox of diverting $1.7 million in client payments, company loans, and investments in other business dealings from 2013 to 2018
As a Democratic congressman, Cox represented portions of the Central Valley from 2019 to 2021.
Related Story: Former Congressman TJ Cox Wants a Trial. Will Feds Revoke Plea Offer?
Coleman would not elaborate on which charges were dropped.
A request to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to see the plea deal was not returned before publication of this story.
RELATED TOPICS:
Rams Visit the 49ers Seeking Their First Season Sweep in the Series Since 2018
3 hours ago
After Voters Back Fresno Unified to the Hilt, There Can Be No More Excuses
4 hours ago
Stock Market Today: Wall Street Gets Back to Climbing
5 hours ago
Fresno Police Arrest Man with Felony Warrant and Loaded Firearm
5 hours ago
Is the Trump Administration Planning a Massive Increase in Legal Immigration?
5 hours ago
Is Luigi Mangione a Hero? This Argument Shows a Glimpse Into an Unusual American Moment
6 hours ago
Fresno County DUI Driver Lucky to Be Alive After Slamming Into Power Pole