MAINE
Michael A. Liberty, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of making political contributions in the names of others before U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby of the District of Maine.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, between May and June 2011, Liberty made $22,500 in primary contributions through nine employees, associates and family members to the principal campaign committee of a candidate for President of the United States, when, in fact, Liberty paid for all of the contributions.
The FBI investigated the case.
In a 2014 story by the Portland Press Herald, Liberty, the former Portland real estate developer who has spent nearly $100,000 on next week’s Democratic primary for Cumberland County sheriff, has a long history of political contributions, but this is the first time he has given so much money in a relatively low-level election.
The reason remains a mystery. Liberty has not responded to requests for comment through his Portland-based company, The Liberty Cos.