Nebraska state senator accused of campaign finance violations

By Deena Winter | Nebraska Watchdog

LINCOLN — Attorney General Jon Bruning charged a state senator today with two misdemeanor counts of abusing public records in connection with her using $63,000 in campaign funds to gamble, making nearly 200 cash withdrawals and advances in casinos.

Omaha Sen. Brenda Council was charged with failing to report multiple withdrawals she made from her campaign account at casinos. She agreed to plead guilty on Tuesday in Lancaster County District Court. The misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.

Earlier this year, the attorney general’s office received information that Council was unlawfully using campaign money. Subpoenaed bank and casino records that showed she withdrew about $63,000 in campaign funds at various casinos between January 2010 and July 2012, Bruning said. Failing to disclose that on her the six campaign finance reports she filed in that timespan is against state campaign finance law.

Bruning said she made $63,000 in withdrawals and cash advances at casinos and deposited (or repaid) about $36,000 over the two-and-a-half years investigators reviewed. Bruning said casino records indicated she used the money to play slots and table games.

Bruning said Council could have been charged with a felony, but the penalty would likely be the same and more time and tax dollars would be required to pursue felony charges.

“We considered that. We certainly discussed that,” he said. “That’s part of the discretion we as prosecutors have.”

But he said officials suspected Council would plead guilty to misdemeanor charges, and she will do so next week.

“Senator Council needs help with what seems to be a gambling addiction,” Bruning said during a press conference today. “She was very contrite. She was very cooperative. She did not question the evidence.”

Council voluntarily banned herself from an Omaha casino in 2005, which Bruning said is an indication she was trying to stop herself from gambling.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.