By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know a convicted felon and former New York State Congressman is planning to run for Congress here in Florida?
Former Congressman, and convicted felon, Chris Collins is planning another run for Congress. This time for Florida’s 19th congressional district which includes parts of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Bonita Springs, Naples, and Marco Island. The congressional district is currently held by Byron Donalds who is considering a future bid for the U.S Senate, Governor of Florida, or even a possible Vice President position by Donald Trump if Trump becomes the GOP nominee for President.
Collins while Congressman for the 27th Congressional District of New York State, pleaded guilty in 2019 of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to the FBI. The former congressman was given a plea deal where he readily admitted to tipping off his son to pending news regarding a publicly traded stock. The information Collins gave to his family members including his son, helped them to avoid $700,000 in lost revenue by selling their stock before the news became public that the value of the stock was going to plummet. In December of 2020, shortly before the end of Trump’s time as President, he pardoned Collins while Collins was serving time in federal prison located in Pensacola.
The former Congressman recently spoke at a “MAGA” rally nearby his home in Marco Island. There he did not take ownership of his criminal acts, but instead, blamed “overzealous prosecution by former U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman.” As well, although no charges were ever filed against Collins for favoring illegal immigration and ignoring his constituents victimized by illegal immigrants, his reputation in New York State remains tainted today.