Minnesota GOP donor Anton Lazzaro gets 21-year sentence for trafficking minors.
A Prominent GOP Donor Sentenced to 21 Years for Sex Trafficking Crimes
A shocking development unfolded on Wednesday as a prominent GOP donor, Anton Lazzaro, was handed a 21-year prison sentence for his involvement in sex trafficking minors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minneapolis revealed the details of this disturbing case.
Conviction and Charges
Lazzaro was found guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors and five counts of sex trafficking of minors, as stated in a press release from the attorney’s office.
Political Contributions
Interestingly, Lazzaro’s connection to conservative causes has come to light. Records from the Federal Election Commission website indicate that he made repeated donations amounting to thousands of dollars. His most recent contribution of $1,000 went to the Freedom Club PAC, an organization that exclusively supports Republicans, according to opensecrets.org.
Prior to that, Lazzaro donated $5,800 to Friends of Hagedorn, a committee authorized by the late GOP Minnesota Rep. James Hagedorn. He also contributed $10,000 to the Hagedorn Victory Fund. In January 2021, Lazzaro donated $10,000 to the Republican Party of Minnesota. These donations shed light on his political affiliations.
Additional FEC data reveals numerous other donations made by Lazzaro since 2019, ranging from as low as $35 to as high as $5,600.
The Disturbing Crimes
The crimes committed by Lazzaro occurred in 2020, targeting victims between the ages of 14 and 16. The severity of the situation cannot be understated.
According to Laura Provinzino, a prosecuting attorney in the case, Lazzaro has shown no remorse for his actions. “He’s a sex trafficker,” she stated, as reported by the Associated Press. The victims themselves expressed the lasting impact of their ordeal, with one stating, “I still see him in my nightmares, in my panic attacks.”
Maintaining Innocence
Throughout the trial, Lazzaro vehemently maintained his innocence. He took offense to the accusations of perjury, stating, “I take a lot of offense to the government and court’s notion that I perjured myself in this trial,” as reported by the Associated Press.
He further defended himself by questioning the term ”grooming behavior” used in the case. Lazzaro argued, “If that’s the case, then I suppose anyone who gives someone a gift, whether it be a cheap gift or a million dollars, is grooming their companion for sex. OK?”
These shocking revelations have sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the individuals involved and the importance of addressing such heinous crimes.
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