Former California Congressional Candidate Sentenced for Embezzling Campaign Funds

Omar Navarro used over $250,000 in campaign donations for personal expenses like Vegas trips and legal fees.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A former congressional candidate from Los Angeles County, Omar Navarro, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for embezzling more than $250,000 from his campaign committee. Navarro, 37, used the funds to pay for trips to Las Vegas, defend himself against criminal stalking charges, and purchase Nintendo Switch video games, according to federal prosecutors.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of campaign finance laws and the need for transparency in political fundraising. Embezzling campaign funds for personal use undermines public trust in the electoral process and raises concerns about the integrity of elections.

The details

Between 2016 and 2022, Navarro ran in four elections to represent California's 43rd Congressional District. Beginning about a year after his first campaign, he defrauded his campaign committee by funneling cash to himself, his mother Dora Asghari, 61, and his friend Zacharias Diamantides-Abel, 37, for their apparent work on the campaign. Navarro lied in his disclosures to the Federal Election Commission and had others file false reports claiming the payments were for campaign expenses.

  • Navarro's scheme took place from July 2017 to February 2021.
  • Navarro pleaded guilty in June 2025 to one count of wire fraud.
  • Asghari pleaded guilty in June 2025 to making false statements to the FBI.
  • Diamantides-Abel pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

The players

Omar Navarro

A 37-year-old former congressional candidate from Los Angeles County who was sentenced to four years in federal prison for embezzling more than $250,000 from his campaign committee.

Dora Asghari

Navarro's 61-year-old mother, who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI.

Zacharias Diamantides-Abel

Navarro's 37-year-old friend, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

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What’s next

Diamantides-Abel is awaiting sentencing for his role in the scheme.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder that the misuse of campaign funds for personal gain is a serious crime that can erode public confidence in the democratic process. It underscores the need for robust campaign finance regulations and strict oversight to ensure the integrity of elections.