Jesse Benton
Jesse Reeves Benton (born October 4, 1977) is an American political operative, convicted felon, writer, and entrepreneur. Benton is closely associated with the Paul family, having served as a campaign manager for both Ron Paul and Rand Paul. He is married to Valori Pyeatt, Ron Paul's granddaughter.
Jesse Benton | |
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Benton at a book signing at Iowa State University in 2011 | |
| Born | Jesse Reeves Benton October 4, 1977 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Mary Washington College |
| Occupation | Political consultant |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Valori Pyeatt |
| Children | 1 |
Benton served as the campaign manager of Republican Mitch McConnell, until resigning on August 29, 2014, amid rumors surrounding campaign finance allegations during the 2012 presidential election. On August 5, 2015, Benton was indicted by a grand jury on charges arising from an alleged coverup to conceal the expenditure of campaign money to hire an Iowa politician. Four of the five charges were initially thrown out because of misconduct by the prosecutor. Benton was found not guilty at trial on charges of making false statements.
Benton was subsequently re-indicted and was found guilty of conspiring to cause false records to the Federal Election Commission. Benton was given two years probation. He was pardoned by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020.
Benton was indicted in September 2021 for illegally funneling money he received from a Russian national into the 2016 campaign of Donald Trump. Benton was convicted on November 17, 2022, and sentenced to 18 months in prison on February 17, 2023.