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A woman from Los Angeles County, who previously served on a presidential advisory committee during the Biden administration, has reached a plea deal with the Department of Justice regarding unlawful campaign contributions aimed at securing a position on the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Teena Maria Hostovich, aged 66, admitted to making illegal donations amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, as announced by the Department of Justice on Wednesday.
The Justice Department charged Hostovich with felony offenses for making contributions in another individual’s name, exceeding $10,000 over a single year. In her plea agreement, she detailed how her actions were partially motivated by her desire to secure a spot on the Kennedy Center’s influential board. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, based in Washington, D.C., serves as the nation’s cultural hub.
As an insurance broker, Hostovich utilized the identities of eleven individuals, which included co-workers and their family members, to illegally contribute over $75,000 to political candidates between the years 2020 and 2023. The Justice Department represented these details in an official press release.
According to her plea agreement, Hostovich knowingly made a total of $75,700 in contributions to political candidates and fundraising committees, using the names of other people. From 2021 to 2023, her contributions in this manner consistently exceeded the $10,000 limit imposed by federal law.
In formal court proceedings on Wednesday, Hostovich pled guilty to the charges and accepted a $43,500 fine as part of her plea deal.
Hostovich’s scheme involved soliciting donations from co-workers, their family members, and others who provided services for her family. She would often offer to reimburse these individuals for their contributions via PayPal or prepay them before they made donations to political campaigns.
Fox News Digital found a website promoting a book Hostovich authored, which presents herself as a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. Notably, she was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts, highlighting her connections within prominent political circles.
Hostovich’s biography mentioned her involvement with the Clinton Global Initiative and her recent appointment to the President’s Advisory Committee for the Arts. Images accompanying the bio featured her alongside well-known Democrats, including Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.
Despite attempts to reach the Clinton Foundation for comments, they did not provide any responses immediately. An archived press release from the White House indicated Hostovich’s position on the advisory committee, acknowledging her extensive experience in corporate governance and philanthropic efforts.
The question remains as to how making contributions in others’ names would effectively support her bid for the Kennedy Center Board, considering appointments are made by both the President and Congress.
In response to the unfolding situation, a representative for Hostovich stated that she had agreed to plead guilty to a single count. This involved five contributions of $2,900 made in 2021—indicating her willingness to take responsibility for her actions.
Hostovich’s spokesperson emphasized that her actions were uncharacteristic, arguing that her demonstrated career and charitable contributions are evidence of her integrity and commitment to bettering society.
The spokesperson elaborated on Hostovich’s values, stating that her dedication to community causes and candidates reflects her belief in fairness and equality. She expressed regret for the repercussions of her actions, particularly concerning the candidates who received her donations and had no involvement in her misconduct.
Throughout the investigation process, Hostovich has cooperated with law enforcement, committing to rectify her errors.
The Justice Department did not disclose which political party Hostovich primarily supported. However, analysis of Federal Election Commission records revealed that she directed numerous donations toward Democratic politicians and campaign committees, reflecting a consistent pattern of support for left-leaning political initiatives.
Hostovich has a significant presence on the FEC database, with nearly 1,000 donation entries stretching back to 2008. Her contributions range widely, including funds directed to campaigns such as the Obama Victory Fund and local Democratic committees across multiple election cycles.
More recent data from the ongoing 2024 election cycle showcases her support for various Democratic state parties without any documented contributions to Republican-affiliated groups. In exhaustive searches, Fox News Digital found no donation history associated with any Republican efforts linked to Hostovich.
The investigation conducted by the FBI culminated in the charges against Hostovich, a significant case emphasizing potential violations within the campaign finance landscape. Hostovich is set for a court appearance on June 13 in Los Angeles, as legal proceedings continue.
In light of her plea agreement and the severe implications of her actions, it becomes increasingly crucial to examine the integrity of political fundraising practices. This case underscores the potential pitfalls of campaign finance laws and the importance of transparency in the political financial landscape.
