Over a four year period, authorities say the campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Chris Shays embezzled about $250,000 in campaign funds.
Michael Sohn, 34, of Fairfield, was arrested Friday, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office. The 12-count indictment charges him with stealing the money, filing false campaign reports and tax offenses. The indictment alleges he did not file tax returns in 2005, 2006, 2007 and didn't report $88,000 in income in 2008.
If convicted of the charges related to converting campaign contributions to his personal use, Sohn would face a maximum term of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Ditto if convicted of the false statement charges. And on the tax charges, he could face a maximum of eight years in prison, a fine up to $550,000 and the cost of prosecution on those offenses.
A telephone message was left Friday with Sohn's attorney, Philip Russell.
Sohn is expected to appear in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport Friday.
Shays, a moderate Republican who served 10 terms in Congress, narrowly lost to Democrat Jim Himes in the race for southwestern Connecticut's 4th District last November.
