"A jury sitting in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania convicted longtime political operative Kenneth Smukler, 58, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, today on charges of making and concealing illegal campaign contributions in two Congressional primary elections, and of obstructing justice in an investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC)," the release said on Monday.
Smukler was a top strategist for Democratic Congressman Bob Brady who represents the state of Pennsylvania’s 1st congressional district. Smukler was charged with unlawful campaign contributions and misuse of funds including a 2012 conspiracy to pay $90,000 to convince Brady’s opponent to drop out of a congressional race.
Earlier this year, Brady, an 11-term member of Congress, announced at a press conference that he would not seek reelection months after Smukler and another consultant were indicted.
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Judge Jan DuBois set Smukler’s sentencing for March 13, 2019, according to the release.