(S.D.)-Noem Returns Donation From Convicted Tax Evader

By: Roxie Graham-Marski Posted at: 10/10/2012 10:30 AM
     SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (ASSOCIATED PRESS) - U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem has returned $4,000 in campaign contributions from a man convicted of felony tax evasion.
 
     A federal jury convicted Rapid City surgeon Edward Picardi after a three-week trial on 13 charges that he filtered millions of dollars of income through offshore accounts to avoid paying taxes.
 
     Picardi and his wife gave Noem a combined $4,000 in the past two years and another $4,500 in 2010. The South Dakota Democratic Party called on Noem to return the money.
 
     Noem campaign manager Tom Erickson says the campaign immediately returned the $4,000 after learning of Picardi's conviction. He says the $4,500 donated in the previous election cycle already was spent.
 
     Noem is a Republican. Democrat Matt Varilek is trying to unseat her.

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