MD Man Stole $1M From Trump Donors, Purchased Car, Yacht: Court

CATONSVILLE, MD — A Baltimore County man defrauded supporters of former President Donald Trump of more than $1 million and used the money to buy personal items like a car, yacht, and wedding rings, according to prosecutors.

According to charging documents filed in federal court Tuesday, Ian Richard Hawes is accused of failing to file a federal tax return in 2016, the same year prosecutors said he created a political action committee and solicited financial contributions from donors for a chance to win dinner with Trump.

Starting around May 2016, Hawes solicited contributions through his registered political action committee American Horizons. In less than three months, prosecutors said Hawes raised more than $1 million from 20,000 donors.

But Hawes never delivered the prize. According to court documents, he used the money to pay off personal credit card debt and student loans. Prosecutors said he also bought an engagement ring and rented a yacht to propose to his fiancée, made a down payment on a home, and purchased a car.

Politico reported on Hawes in August 2016, identifying him as the man "siphoning money from Donald Trump."After Politico published the story, Trump's campaign sent a cease-and-desist letter to Hawes accusing him of defrauding his donors.

Court documents confirmed Trump's campaign sent the cease-and-desist letter to Hawes on Aug. 29, 2016.

According to prosecutors, no donations went to Trump's campaign. Hawes used more than $375,000 on personal expenses, court documents say.

Hawes is accused of failing to file a federal tax return reporting the $375,000 as income, according to court documents.

In an interview with The Baltimore Banner, Hawes said he plans to plead guilty. He also told the Banner he voted for Trump in the 2016 election and paid more than $110,000 to settle his 2016 taxes.