GOP Giving Back
Alishatari stands accused of funneling $152,000 in ill-gotten funds from an alleged investment scam to help unspecified Islamic militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan buy night vision goggles and other gear. He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, David Greenfield, has not returned phone messages.
CBS News has learned not only has Alishtari donated more than $15,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee – as we reported last week – but Alishtari also gave $20,000 to the National Republican Senate Committee in 2003.
"In light of the recent charges filed against a former donor, the National Republican Senatorial Committee will donate the sum total of the former donor's contributions to a charitable organization," NRSC Communications Director Rebecca Fisher tells us. "The money will go to an organization that benefits our military men and women and their families."
The NRSC is giving the tainted $20,000 to Fisher House, the lauded organization that provides relatives of the war wounded inexpensive housing on the grounds of military bases and near Veterans Administration hospitals while their loved ones undergo treatment: http://www.fisherhouse.org/
If convicted on all charges -- terrorism financing, material support of terrorism, international money laundering, conspiracy and wire fraud – Alishtari faces a maximum sentence of 95-years.