Prosecutors seek 97-month prison term for campaign treasurer Durkee

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Federal prosecutors have recommended that former campaign treasurer Kinde Durkee be sentenced to 97 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud involving the theft of more than $7 million in political funds from 50 clients, according to documents released Monday.

Durkee’s victims included U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein; and Democratic Reps. Laura Richardson of Long Beach; Loretta Sanchez of Garden Grove; Linda T. Sanchez of Lakewood; and Susan A. Davis of San Diego.

‘Over the course of approximately 12 years, the defendant misappropriated millions of dollars from clients, used the money for her personal and business expenses, and prepared false campaign disclosure reports to hide the theft,’ according to a sentencing memorandum filed by U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner ahead of a Wednesday sentencing hearing.

Prosecutors said they hope to report on money that might be recovered for restitution, and said the recommended sentence of more than eight years was reached in consultation with the probation office.

‘The United States believes that this is an appropriate sentence under the Sentencing Guidelines’’ as well as federal law, the prosecutor wrote. ‘This sentence will reflect the seriousness of the offense, provide just punishment, and afford adequate deterrence.’

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