Wes Cooley American Republican politician and rancher Date of Birth: 28.03.1932 Country: USA

1. Wester Shadric Cooley: A Controversial Republican Politician
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Career
4. Military Service Scandal
5. Legal Troubles
6. Financial Fraud Case
7. Sentencing
8. Death

Wester Shadric Cooley: A Controversial Republican Politician

Wester Shadric Cooley was an American Republican politician who gained notoriety for his lies and scandals throughout his career.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 28, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, Cooley served in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He later went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California in 1958.

Political Career

Cooley entered politics by winning a seat in the Oregon State Senate in 1992. In 1994, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican. As a congressman, Cooley aligned himself with the party's conservative principles, supporting gun rights, military supremacy, and tort reform.

Military Service Scandal

In 1996, The Mail Tribune newspaper questioned Cooley's claims of serving in the Army Special Forces in Korea. Subsequent accusations of marital fraud, involving his wife concealing their marriage to receive veteran's benefits, further damaged his reputation. Despite Cooley's denial of the allegations, he was forced to resign under pressure from fellow Republicans, including Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

Legal Troubles

In 1996, Cooley was charged with lying about his military service. He initially claimed that his service records were destroyed in a fire but later pleaded guilty to making a false statement on an official document. He received probation, community service, and a fine.

Financial Fraud Case

In 2009, Cooley was indicted in California for his involvement in an alleged investment scheme related to the sale of Bidbay.com stock. Prosecutors alleged that investors were misled into investing over $10 million in Bidbay.com based on false claims. Cooley was charged with six counts of money laundering and filing a false tax return in 2002 to conceal over $1.1 million in illegal income.

Despite his history of deception, Cooley evaded prison for years. However, a medical evaluation revealed that he had lied once again by feigning an illness to avoid trial.

Sentencing

In December 2012, Cooley was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for concealing $494,000 in income from the Internal Revenue Service. He was also ordered to pay $138,470 in back taxes and $3.5 million in restitution to the victims of the fraudulent scheme.

Death

Wester Shadric Cooley passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy marred by dishonesty and scandal. His fall from political grace serves as a reminder of the consequences that can come with lying and deceiving the public.