Parnassus was convicted last fall of six charges related to funding schemes to “buy influence”. Jurors found him guilty of plotting with conspirators to use the money of a Russian supporter to fund political contributions, which he hoped to exchange for a political service for his start-up cannabis joint venture.
He was also sentenced to pay restitution of $ 2,322,500 and three years of controlled release.
As part of his scheme, the Ukrainian businessman was also convicted of using money from Igor Fruman – who had previously pleaded guilty – and a fake company to direct hundreds of thousands in political contributions to Republican and pro-Donald Trump committees, and then lie about it to the Federal Election Commission.
A donation of $ 325,000 for the America First Action Super PAC in this case was first noted in a 2018 FEC complaint.
Parnassus’ sentence was well below the time he could endure. He was sentenced to five years in prison on each of the five charges, and a sixth charge of falsifying FEC records carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Parnassus and Fruman were arrested in 2019 at Washington airport while boarding a flight to Vienna. The arrest came amid an investigation by the House of Democrats – and a possible impeachment process – by then-President Trump, and brought two unknown Florida businessmen to the world stage with volatile results.
In the end, Parnassus does not testify, but seems to be seriously considering this move in his own defense. Prosecutors hoped to question Parnassus about his quid pro quo proposals to Ukrainian politicians on Giuliani’s orders.
This story has been updated with additional details and basic information.
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