A former Democratic candidate backed by Black Lives Matter has been sentenced to 22 months in prison.
Karen Carter Peterson, former Louisiana Democratic Party chair and state senator, has alleged that she transferred more than $140,000 in campaign and party funds to outside individuals and businesses and used the money for personal spending. He was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of wire fraud, including. , including gambling.
Peterson abruptly resigned from her state senator last April, citing mental health and gambling addictions.
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Karen Carter Peterson, former chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for a wire fraud scheme.
(AP Photo/Melinda Deslatte, file)
Peterson’s plan lasted seven years, with diversion According to the Louisiana Illuminator, he provided state campaign and party cash to several individuals and businesses, cashed checks, and reportedly provided most or all of the funds to Peterson.
Peterson then spent the money on personal expenses, including gambling-related expenses. “I misunderstood the expenditure as being for a legitimate purpose related to her campaigning or holding public office,” it said.
![Karen Carter Peterson diverted over $140,000 in campaign and party funds to individuals and businesses and used the funds for personal spending.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2022/07/640/320/Peterson2.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Karen Carter Peterson diverted over $140,000 in campaign and party funds to individuals and businesses and used the funds for personal spending.
((Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2016 Essence Festival))
Peterson tweeted at the time, saying, “Today, I took an important step in my lifelong recovery as I continue to work with my gambling addiction.” .”
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![Peterson is due to appear in federal prison on March 6.](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2022/07/640/320/Peterson1.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Peterson is due to appear in federal prison on March 6.
((Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2016 Essence Festival))
“I have paid back all the money I spent on my addiction and will continue to make amends,” she added. “Staying true to the ongoing recovery procedures, I have been candid and honest and have cooperated fully with the U.S. Department of Justice in their investigation.”
Meanwhile, Peterson is the only federal candidate endorsed by Black Lives Matter after January 2021.
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The Black Lives Matter PAC, a committee affiliated with the BLM Global Network Foundation, has committed more than $100,000 in independent spending in July 2021 to support her unsuccessful attempt to join Congress in Louisiana’s Second District. Throwing in shows federal records confirmed by Fox News Digital.
peterson must report To federal prison on March 6, according to Nola.com.