       A federal judge in California has ruled that statements Nebraska 2nd District Congressman Jeff Fortenberry made to federal agents about an illegal 2016 campaign contribution can be used against him during his trial next month.Â
The decision was a setback for the 9-term Republican, who is accused of lying to those agents about what he knew about the donation.
Fortenberry was indicted in October after federal authorities alleged that he knowingly made false statements about a $30,000 donation that was funneled into his campaign from a Nigerian billionaire during a Los Angeles fundraiser.
His attorneys contend Fortenberry cooperated with authorities and was confused and not lying when he claimed not to know that the donation had come from a foreign donor, in violation of federal law.