Rinehart Case: Pelfry Now Faces Felony Charges

Ray Pelfry, 67-year-old Del City businessman, now faces felony charges of conspiracy, knowingly accepting an illegal campaign contribution and money laundering, charges upgraded from the previous misdemanor count of violating campaign laws he faced. Pelfy is charged in the alleged illegal financing of County Commissioner Brent Rinehart's 2004 campaign.

Charlie Price, spokesman for Attorney General Drew Edmondson, said the new charges were filed after review of details of the alleged scheme to funnel illegal donations into Rinehart's campaign. Pelfry is one of five men facing charges in the case.

Rinehart and former State Rep. Tim Pope, his campaign manager, face a July 6th preliminary hearing on counts of conspiracy, money laundering and perjury. They deny wrongdoing.

One person charged in the alleged scheme has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors and is assisting them, it was reported earlier.

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