Peter Navarro, former Trump Adviser, Linked to PayPal Account Used to Solicit Funds
Convicted Fraudster Relocated to Special Housing Unit after Inmate’s Allegations
Peter Navarro, a former top-ranking adviser to former President Donald Trump, has been linked to a PayPal account used to solicit financial support for another inmate, Benjamin Forrest McConley, a convicted fraudster. The discovery was made after a Pennsylvania woman sent a supportive letter to Navarro and received a text message from someone claiming to be him, asking for financial support.
McConley’s Move to Special Housing Unit
According to an attorney for McConley, his client had been "hanging out with Navarro" at the Federal Correctional Institution-Miami (FCI-Miami) minimum-security camp near Homestead. However, last weekend, McConley was moved to a special housing unit (SHU) at a more secure facility, where he will be locked up 23 hours a day with limited privileges.
Prison Investigation Underway
A prison source confirmed that McConley is facing an investigation, and it is unclear what specifically he is being investigated for. However, the source told NBC6 that security lapses can lead to inmates getting access to others’ mail.
The Events Unfold
The events unfolded last month when a woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent a supportive letter to Navarro. Three days later, she received a text message from someone claiming to be Navarro, asking for financial support. The message mentioned a PayPal account and Cash App, and asked for money to be sent to support stamps for correspondence.
McConley’s Background
McConley is serving a 13-year sentence for scamming investors who thought they were buying into movies and Broadway shows, according to court records and the U.S. Attorney’s office in Miami.
Navarro’s Background
Navarro is serving a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress, having refused to appear before and produce evidence to the select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. As a Harvard-educated economist, he met McConley after surrendering in March to the minimum-security camp at FCI-Miami.
Conclusion
The investigation into McConley is ongoing, and it is unclear what the outcome will be. However, the discovery highlights the potential risks of security lapses in the prison system and the importance of vigilance in preventing fraud. As Sue, the woman who discovered the alleged scheme, said, "I thought, man, something’s got to stop this because that’s not very good. I don’t want people taken advantage of."
FAQs
Q: What is the status of the investigation into McConley?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear what specific allegations McConley is being investigated for.
Q: Has Navarro seen Sue’s letter or been informed of the alleged scheme?
A: It is unclear whether Navarro ever saw Sue’s letter or was informed of the alleged scheme. Security lapses can allow inmates to access others’ mail, making it possible that Navarro may have seen the letter.
Q: How much money has Navarro raised for his legal defense fund?
A: According to his fundraising site, Navarro has raised over $1.3 million.
Q: What is the purpose of the special housing unit (SHU)?
A: The SHU is a secure facility designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for inmates, often with limited privileges, while investigations are conducted.
