Trump adviser under legal scrutiny is part of Arizona ‘fake electors’ case

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Donald Trump's adviser Boris Epshteyn was investigated by Donald Trump's legal team after allegations he requested payment from prospective appointees to promote them to the president-elect, according to USA TODAY reports.

Epshteyn, a longtime Trump loyalist, denied the claims.

Ephsteyn is currently under criminal indictment in Arizona with other Trump allies, accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election using so-called fake electors.

Here's a look at Epshteyn's many connections to the state, dating to 2008, as he faces a new investigation by the incoming Trump administration.

Reports: Epshteyn asked for payment to make recommendations to former president The investigation by the Trump team centered on allegations that Epshteyn requested payment for promoting candidates for top-level positions in the new administration, as was first reported by CNN and the Washington Post.

One of those alleged requests, dating back to February, involved Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager selected as Trump's pick for secretary of the Treasury last week, according to USA TODAY. Epshteyn reportedly wanted a monthly stipend of $30,000 to recommend Bessent at Trump's Mar-a-Lago private club in Florida.

Trump team and Epshteyn respond to allegations "As is standard practice, a board review of the campaign's consulting agreements has been conducted and completed, including as to Boris, among others," wrote Steve Cheung, spokesperson for Trump's transition.

"We are now moving ahead together as a team to help President Trump Make America Great Again," added Cheung, who did not provide a timeline when results of the investigation would be made public.

In a written statement to The Arizona Republic, Epshteyn denied the charges and recommitted his loyalty to Trump.

"I am honored to work for President Trump and with his team. These fake claims are false and defamatory and will not distract us from Making America Great Again," wrote Epshteyn.

Epshteyn has been associated with Trump for nearly 10 years Epshteyn started work for Trump during the president's first term in 2016, serving as the director of communication for the inauguration committee, then held numerous assistant roles in 2017, according to Republic reports.

He later was a strategic adviser to Trump's reelection campaign from June 2020 to January 2021.

Epshteyn was indicted in Arizona's 'fake elector' case Epshteyn was indicted in connection with the scheme to keep Trump in the White House by falsely certifying he won the state in 2020. A grand jury indicted the defendants, 11 Arizona Republicans — the fake electors — and seven top Trump aides, in April.

The president-elect's political committee paid $50,000 to an Arizona law firm that represented Epshteyn.

Save America PAC gave the Phoenix law firm Tully Bailey LLP two payments ― $40,000 and $10,000 ― for “legal consulting” in May, according to the committee’s Federal Election Commission filing. The payments first were reported by NBC News.

It was not clear if the payments made to the PAC directly benefited Epshteyn.

He pleaded not guilty to charges in June.

Other ties to Arizona include John McCain In 2008, Epshteyn started his career in Republican politics as part of Sen. John McCain's last presidential run, where he served as a communication aide.

He wrote about the importance of truth in the United States after McCain died in 2018.

"John McCain’s life, and later death are a reminder of a truth that we all should remember: love for one’s country and selfless sacrifice for the good of the American people are a universal language," he wrote in an opinion column.

Epshteyn's trouble in Scottsdale In 2014, Epshteyn was accused of punching a man in the nose at a Scottsdale club. The fight led to a plea deal in which Epshteyn was not allowed to contact the victim or return to the venue. He had to pay court fees and complete 25 hours of community service.

In 2021, Epshteyn was accused of assaulting two women at another Scottsdale venue.

Epshteyn was charged with “assault touching,” “attempted sexual abuse,” “harassment-repeated acts” and “disorderly conduct-disruptive behavior or fighting.” Epshteyn pleaded guilty in Scottsdale City Court to disorderly conduct and served probation. The other three charges were dismissed.

Arizona Republic reporter Stephanie Murray and USA TODAY contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Boris Epshteyn, accused of seeking cash from job seekers, has AZ ties

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