A former California Democrat who previously served in the House is facing a plea deal over wire fraud, money laundering, and other federal charges from 2022. Terrance John 'T.J.' Cox, who represented California's 21st Congressional District from 2019 to 2021, is currently facing a total of 28 charges, which is more than the charges faced by former New York GOP Rep. George Santos.
A hearing for Cox, where the plea deal was mentioned in court documents filed on Wednesday, was rescheduled from March 27 to May 22 due to the extensive amount of digital records and financial evidence that Cox's attorney needs to review before assessing the offer.
Although specific details of the plea deal were not disclosed, it was confirmed that Cox is considering the government's offer. Mark Coleman, Cox's attorney, has not provided any immediate comments on the matter.
Cox surrendered to FBI agents in August 2022 and was charged with wire fraud, money laundering, financial institution fraud, and campaign contribution fraud. Prosecutors alleged that Cox misappropriated $1.7 million from clients and companies he was associated with between 2013 and 2018.
One instance highlighted in the indictment involved Cox using a $100,000 loan for personal expenses, including private school tuition and mortgage payments. Additionally, Cox is accused of orchestrating illegal straw donations during his 2018 congressional campaign and providing false information on a mortgage application to obtain a construction loan that later defaulted.
The total number of charges faced by Cox surpasses those faced by Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December. Santos, indicted on 23 counts, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to wire fraud, identity theft, and credit card fraud.
In a bipartisan vote, Santos was ousted from Congress, and he has announced plans to run as an Independent candidate to challenge Rep. Nick LaLota in New York's 1st Congressional District.
Cox, aged 60, lost his re-election bid in 2020 after flipping California's 21st congressional district in 2018. The legal proceedings against Cox and Santos continue as they navigate the federal charges brought against them.
