E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
An insurance brokerage executive, Teena Maria Hostovich, has been charged with violating federal campaign laws by making illegal "conduit" contributions. These contributions were made in the name of another person to a joint fundraising committee that included a U.S. Senator's principal campaign committee.
Hostovich, 66, from La Cañada Flintridge, faces a single-count charge for making contributions exceeding $10,000 in a year under someone else's name. This felony could result in up to two years in federal prison.
In connection with this charge, Hostovich has agreed to plead guilty and pay a fine of $43,500. Her initial court appearance is expected soon at the United States District Court in Los Angeles.
The plea agreement reveals that between May 2020 and 2023, Hostovich knowingly contributed $75,700 to various federal campaign committees using other people's names. From 2021 through 2023 alone, her contributions exceeded $10,000 each year.
Hostovich used 11 individuals as conduits for these donations. These included employees from her workplace, their family members, and personal service providers for her family. She either advanced funds or reimbursed these individuals via PayPal around the time of their contributions.
Her actions were partly motivated by an attempt to secure an appointment to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees in Washington D.C., which she did not achieve.
Recipients of these unlawful contributions included committees linked to U.S. senators and presidential candidates. At no point did Hostovich disclose her role as the true source of the funds to any candidate or committee involved.
The FBI conducted the investigation into this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas F. Rybarczyk is handling the prosecution.
