Christopher J. Ward

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Christopher J. Ward is a former treasurer of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and several other Republican campaigns. [1] He was accused of embezzling $724,000 from the NRCC since his appointment in 2003, according to statements from the organization. The theft was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. [1] [2] [3] Ward had also served as treasurer for 83 Republican committees. [4] [5] [6]

On June 6, 2008, the Department of Justice, in filing a civil forfeiture proceeding against Ward's house, alleged that Ward "made over $500,000 in unauthorized withdrawals" and that he used the money to make his mortgage payments and for home renovation on his home in Bethesda, Maryland. [7]

On December 2, 2010, a federal judge sentenced Ward to 37 months in prison for stealing more than $844,000 from the NRCC and other political fundraising committees for whom he worked as treasurer. [8]

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References

  1. 1 2 Wayne, Leslie (June 13, 2008). "G.O.P. Says Ex-Treasurer Stole Funds". New York Times. Retrieved June 14, 2008.
  2. NRCC "Chairman Cole Releases Statement and Update on Apparent Accounting Irregularities", NRCC Statement Archived March 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  3. "Cole: Ward "deceived And Betrayed" The NRCC "for A Number Of Years"", CBS News, March 30, 2008
  4. "NRCC Says Ex-Treasurer Diverted Up to $1 Million", Washington Post, April 13, 2008
  5. Bresnahan, John. "NRCC settles embezzlement case". Politico. June 11, 2010.
  6. N. Lewis, "Sham Audits May Have Hid Theft by G.O.P. Committee Treasurer, Lawyer Says", New York Times, March 14, 2008
  7. "Justice Dept: Ward took at least $500K in GOP campaign funds". Yahoo! News . June 6, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2008.
  8. Hsu, Spencer, S., "NRCC official sentenced in theft", Washington Post, December 2, 2010