TRENTON, N.J., July 29 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Committee has returned about $175,000 in contributions from a New Jersey financier who has arrested on witness-tampering charges.
The DNC gave back $149,000 in donations from Charles Kushner in 1999 and 2000. It also returned $25,000 that Kushner donated in 2003.
The Federal Elections Commission ruled that Kushner made $508,900 in improper contributions. The FEC fined Kushner a sum equal to the donations, $149,000 of which went to -- and has since been returned by -- the DNC.
Kushner has been arrested on federal witness-tampering charges, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. He is also accused of conspiracy and obstruction of justice, allegedly related to an investigation into his action. Kushner has said he is innocent of the allegations.
Many local candidates in recent weeks have returned money Kushner donated to their campaigns.
