Department of Justice Investigation
In late 1996, the Justice Department opened a task force to investigate allegations of illegal donations to the Clinton/Gore re-election campaign and to Clinton's legal defense fund. Clinton announced in February 1997 that he thought there should be a "vigorous" and "thorough" investigation into reports that China tried to direct financial contributions from overseas sources to the DNC. "bviously it would be a very serious matter for the United States if any country were to attempt to funnel funds to one of our parties for any reason whatever", Clinton said. Both FBI Director Louis Freeh and Justice Department task force head Charles La Bella unsuccessfully argued for appointment of an independent counsel."
Ultimately, Justice Department prosecutors secured the conviction of several fund-raisers for various offenses. John Huang served 500 hours of community service and paid a $10,000 fine. Johnny Chung served 3000 hours of community service. Charlie Trie served four months of in-home detention. Maria Hsia served 90 days of home detention and paid a $5,300 fine. Indonesian billionare James Riady was fined $8.6 million. Ernest Green served three months home detention. Michael Brown served 150 hours of community service and paid a $5000 fine. In all, the Justice Department task force secured criminal convictions against 22 people by 2001.
Read more about this topic: 1996 United States Campaign Finance Controversy
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