Kinde Durkee, a top California fundraiser for Democrats, has been accused of fleecing Democratic candidates of at least $7 million, using the money for trips to Disneyland, Dodgers games, and personal expenses, according to Reuters. The scandal has hurt the ability of Democrats to raise money for the 2012 election.
The fraud investigation froze the coffers of dozens of Democratic politicians across the state of California during an election year, and left candidates scrambling to raise more money.
Senator [Dianne] Feinstein's campaign sued Durkee in a related case in October for fraud and breach of contract in a lawsuit that also accused First California Bank of aiding that fraud.
Durkee is now looking to cut a plea deal, according to Politico.
Federal prosecutors will recommend that Durkee, who will also plead guilty to at least five counts of fraud, be sentenced to from 11 to 14 years in prison, the sources added.
Authorities have not been able to recover any of the allegedly stolen millions in what has become the largest political embezzlement scheme in history.