DEAR PROBE

What do you want to know?

What is happening with Bob Filner?

Q

I briefly heard something regarding Bob Filner, the former Imperial County congressman. I have looked for more information but can’t find much. Can PROBE tell us what’s happening with him again? — Curious, Brawley

A

Of course. The man that illegally contributed almost $600,000 to Bob Filner’s campaign for San Diego mayor in 2012 was sentenced in court recently to three years in prison and a $560,955 fine.

Mexican businessman Jose Susumo Azano Matsura, 52, of Guadalajara, was found guilty by a federal jury in San Diego of felony counts associated with the illegal campaign contributions in September.

Matsura’s sentencing was in late October. According to information provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Matsura’s foreign national status made his contributions illegal so he used others, including his son, to make the secret contributions.

He was hoping to buy political influence in support for his “Miami West,” a San Diego waterfront development project that promised Matsura hundreds of millions in profit. During the trial, it was reported that Matsura’s contribution made the difference in electing Filner as mayor.

However, six months after his election, Filner resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Filner was Imperial County’s congressman from 2003 to 2012.