DOJ Announces Plea Deal with California Woman Allegedly Attempting to Bribe Her Way to Kennedy Center Board Seat
A California woman, Teena Maria Hostovich, has reached a plea agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) after being accused of facilitating over $75,000 in illegal campaign contributions through co-workers and family members to secure a position on the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. The DOJ revealed that she used the identities of 11 people to make these contributions, with some exceeding $10,000 annually, a felony offense. Hostovich, an insurance broker, agreed to plead guilty and pay a $43,500 fine as part of the agreement. The case highlights significant concerns about campaign finance violations and the potential misuse of political donations to gain influence in cultural and political institutions.
The scheme involved Hostovich contacting co-workers, family members, and others who provided personal services to her, to ask them to make donations to political campaigns or fundraising committees. She would then reimburse them or pay them upfront before the donations were made, according to the DOJ. The illegal contributions spanned from May 2020 through 2023, with Hostovich advancing or reimbursing the donors in amounts that often closely matched the contribution amounts. The DOJ emphasized that she knowingly and willfully participated in these actions, which constitute serious violations of campaign finance laws.
Hostovich also has a long history of donating to Democratic candidates and left-wing political organizations. FEC records show she has made hundreds of donations to Democrat politicians, the Democratic Party, and progressive groups over the years. Although the DOJ did not specify her political affiliations, her campaign contributions and advisory roles suggest a strong alignment with Democratic causes. The case has raised concerns about the integrity of political donations and the potential for abuse in securing positions of influence in both political and cultural institutions.
Her plea agreement also included the provision that she will cooperate with law enforcement and make appropriate amends for her actions. Hostovich’s spokesperson expressed regret for the lapses in judgment and emphasized that her contributions were made in good faith to support causes she believed in. Despite her cooperation, the case underscores the gravity of the violations and the potential consequences of misuse of the political donation process. The DOJ has scheduled a court appearance for Hostovich on June 13, and the case is a significant reminder of the importance of adherence to campaign finance laws in maintaining the integrity of electoral processes.
The DOJ has not identified which political party Hostovich favored, although FEC records reviewed by Fox News show she made hundreds of donations across the years to Democrat politicians, the Democratic Party, and left-wing political action committees. Her donations span from 2008 through the 2024 election cycle, with significant contributions to groups such as the Obama Victory Fund, Democratic Party of Virginia, Pasadena, California, area United Democratic Headquarters, and Chris Coons for Delaware during the 2008–2012 period. In recent years, she has supported groups like the North Carolina Democratic Party – Federal, Wyoming Democratic State Central Committee, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, and the Democratic State Committee (Delaware). No donations were made to Republican or GOP groups, according to the data reviewed.
Hostovich’s role on the Biden administration’s President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts and her membership in the Clinton Global Initiative further highlights her longstanding involvement in political and cultural institutions. The biographical information on her profile emphasizes her contributions to the arts, corporate governance, and philanthropy. The FBI investigation into Hostovich began before she was charged, and the DOJ has stated that she is scheduled to appear in court on June 13 in Los Angeles. The case is a significant reminder of the importance of adhering to campaign finance laws and the potential for misuse of the political donation process.
The case also raises questions about the criteria and selection process for board memberships at institutions like the Kennedy Center. While the president appoints general trustees, other members are appointed by Congress, and it is unclear how Hostovich’s alleged scheme may have influenced her bid for a seat. The DOJ’s investigation and the plea agreement highlight the potential for abuse in securing positions of influence through illicit means. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in political and cultural institutions.