GOP donor convicted in Minnesota sex trafficking trial
April 3, 2023 7:00AM CDT
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A formerly well-connected Republican donor has been convicted of recruiting teenage girls for sex. A federal grand jury on Friday found Anton “Tony” Lazzaro guilty of seven federal counts involving girls ages 15 and 16 in 2020, when he was 30 years old.
The verdict came after a two-week trial in which the wealthy GOP donor testified that he was innocent. He was accused of plying petite young girls with cash, liquor, and gifts in exchange for sex. The jury will return to court Monday to determine what property the government can seize based on each conviction.
Lazzaro’s attorney said he plans to appeal.
