Torrance Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Defrauding His Own Congressional Campaign

Omar Navarro misused $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Omar Navarro, a 37-year-old Torrance resident who unsuccessfully ran for Congress against Rep. Maxine Waters four times, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for defrauding his own election campaign. Navarro pleaded guilty to wire fraud for siphoning $250,000 in campaign funds for personal use, including trips and paying criminal defense attorneys.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of campaign finance laws and the need to ensure that political candidates use donated funds solely for their intended purpose of supporting election efforts, not personal enrichment. It also raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process when candidates abuse their positions of trust.

The details

Navarro conspired with his mother Dora Asghari and a friend Zacharias Diamantides-Abel to convert campaign funds for their personal use. They cashed campaign checks instead of depositing them, then shared the cash with Navarro, who used over $100,000 for trips, legal fees, and other personal expenses. Navarro also formed a sham charity to further embezzle funds.

  • Navarro ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022 against Rep. Maxine Waters.
  • Navarro pleaded guilty in June 2025 to a single federal wire fraud count.
  • Navarro was sentenced on February 23, 2026 and immediately remanded into custody.
  • Asghari's sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
  • Diamantides-Abel pleaded guilty in May 2025 and was placed in a diversion program.

The players

Omar Navarro

A 37-year-old Torrance resident who unsuccessfully ran for Congress against Rep. Maxine Waters four times and pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding his own campaign.

Dora Asghari

Navarro's 61-year-old mother from Torrance who pleaded guilty to lying to FBI investigators during an interview.

Zacharias Diamantides-Abel

A 37-year-old Long Beach resident who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge and was placed in a diversion program.

Rep. Maxine Waters

The Democratic Congresswoman from Los Angeles whom Navarro unsuccessfully ran against four times.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 13 whether to sentence Navarro's mother Dora Asghari for lying to FBI investigators.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for strict oversight and enforcement of campaign finance laws to prevent political candidates from abusing their positions of trust and misusing donated funds for personal gain, which undermines the integrity of the electoral process.