Punishment for Joop Bollen in the EB-5 Scandal could have been tougher under terms of a bill State Attorney General Marty Jackley wants the State Legislature to approve.
Bollen took a plea deal for misusing money related to the EB-5 program. He was given probation and a fine. Jackley says the state's hands were tied under current law. His bill would allow for more options.
"After EB-5 and Gear-Up, prosecutors hands shouldn't be tied. We want the prosecutors to have every tool available to find wrongdoing and address it when we find it." Jackley explained Wednesday on KELO Radio's Greg Belfrage Show.
Jackley's wants to toughen the law against public officials who knowingly misuse taxpayer money. He says they should be treated like any other thief.