Two GOP operatives charged in alleged illegal plot to funnel foreign money to 2016 Trump campaign

A political strategist previously pardoned by President Trump after being convicted in 2012 for a campaign finance scheme is reportedly facing new charges.

The strategist, Jesse Benton, was charged earlier this month in connection with alleged 2016 plot to illegally funnel donations made by a Russian national to support then-candidate Donald Trump's presidential bid, according to a federal indictment unsealed Monday and reported on by The Washington Post.

Roy Douglas "Doug" Wead, 75, a conservative author and former special assistant to President George H.W. Bush., is also charged in connection with the alleged 2016 donations scheme. 

The 43-year-old Benton is former top aide to former Texas Rep. Ron Paul and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Republicans. He then ran a pro-Trump super PAC, The Post also reports.