Former California Rep. T.J. Cox Offered Plea Deal Over Federal Charges

Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., shared her concerns regarding the recent plea deal offered to former California Representative Terrance John “T.J.” Cox amidst federal charges. The plea deal includes allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, and various other offenses stemming from 2022, surpassing the charges faced by expelled New York GOP Rep. George Santos.

Terrance John “T.J.” Cox, who previously represented California, is facing a total of 28 charges. This exceeds the charges currently held by Santos, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings. Cox’s hearing, originally scheduled for March 27, has been rescheduled to May 22 due to the extensive volume of digital evidence involved.

In response to the plea offer, Cox’s attorney Mark Coleman is reviewing the government’s proposal. The specifics of the deal have not yet been disclosed, although court documents confirm that Cox is evaluating the offer put forth by the government.

Terrance John “T.J.” Cox, a former congressman, was taken into custody in August 2022 following allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, financial institution fraud, and campaign contribution fraud. These charges stemmed from incidents involving over $1.7 million acquired from clients and associated companies between 2013 and 2018.

During the investigation, prosecutors revealed details of Cox’s financial misconduct, including the misuse of funds for personal expenses. Notably, Cox allegedly diverted $40,000 for personal use, which included payments towards luxury items and political consulting services.

Cox’s legal troubles extend to his 2018 candidacy, where he is accused of orchestrating illegal straw donations amounting to over $25,000. Additionally, he faces allegations of providing fabricated bank statements and fraudulently obtaining a $1.5 million construction loan, resulting in a substantial loss.

The charges against Cox surpass those faced by George Santos, the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than two decades. Santos, who faced 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and credit card fraud, has pleaded not guilty to the accusations.

Former Rep. George Santos has recently announced his independent candidacy for Congress in New York, aiming to challenge Rep. Nick LaLota for a seat in the House. Santos’ expulsion from Congress in December marked a rare bipartisan decision, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against him.

Despite his previous electoral success, Cox faced defeat in the 2020 election, marking the end of his brief congressional tenure. The legal proceedings surrounding Cox and Santos highlight the ongoing challenges within the political landscape.