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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a startling development, a once well-connected GOP donor who prosecutors have dubbed "Minneapolis's Jeffrey Epstein," has been sentenced to 21 years in prison after being found guilty on multiple counts of sex trafficking.
The ten-day trial, which captivated the nation's attention, reached its culmination as US District Judge Patrick Schiltz delivered a scathing critique of Anton Lazzaro's actions during the sentencing.
After serving his prison sentence, Lazzaro will have to go through five years of supervised release, undergo sex offender treatment, and register himself as a sex offender.
Who is Anton Lazzaro?
Anton "Tony" Lazzaro, 31, was convicted on seven counts of engaging in "commercial sex acts" with five girls aged between 15 and 16 in 2020. His modus operandi included using Everclear liquor to impair his victims and offering substantial financial compensation after sexual encounters, as per StarTribune.
Assistant US Attorney Laura Provinzino left no room for ambiguity during the sentencing, as she asserted, "He's a sex trafficker... One who has shown absolutely no remorse. He has accepted no responsibility for his crimes."
The gravity of Lazzaro's actions became even more pronounced when one of the victims' mothers directly confronted him, her anger and pain reverberating in her words, "I hope you rot in hell."
A chorus of outrage against Anton Lazzaro's acts
Another victim, still grappling with the trauma inflicted by Lazzaro, bravely voiced her thoughts in court, branding him a "child predator," as she said, "Putting Tony behind bars will save so many girls."
In stark contrast to the accounts of victims, Lazzaro maintained his unyielding stance of innocence, suggesting that the charges were politically motivated. He vehemently denied recruiting the victims explicitly for sexual activities.
In his defense, Lazzaro even challenged the characterization of his behavior as "grooming," questioning the term's broad application.
Beyond the unsettling details presented during the sentencing, Lazzaro's deep involvement in Republican politics also came to light. Federal Election Commission records laid bare his substantial contributions, totaling over $270,000, to numerous Republican campaigns and political committees over nearly a decade.
His role as a campaign manager for GOP candidate Lacy Johnson in 2020 has prompted scrutiny of the vetting process within the party.
Anton Lazzaro's political connections and controversies
Lazzaro's connections and activities extended to intriguing corners of the political landscape. Johnson, for instance, distanced himself from Lazzaro's exploits, stating, "I don't know that side of Tony. He's young, he's got money, and… that tends to attract females."
Furthermore, Lazzaro's name appeared on Minnesota's GOP slate of "alternate" presidential electors, a testament to his political influence.
Lazzaro even shared a video on Twitter featuring Joe Biden interacting with a young girl, appending the caption, "Parents need to keep their kids away from Creepy Joe." Moreover, he was known for showcasing his extravagant lifestyle on social media, often posting pictures of himself with planes, sports cars, and bottles of champagne.
Allegations and testimonies against Anton Lazzaro
Lazzaro's 10-day trial brought to light harrowing testimonies from the victims. One 15-year-old recounted being picked up from a slumber party with two friends, while another was allegedly paid to engage in group sex with Lazzaro and her older sister.
Gisela Castro Medina, 21, was implicated in Lazzaro's activities and eventually testified against him. Prosecutors revealed that Lazzaro paid Medina more than $54,000, with the money allegedly intended as payment for her role in procuring underage girls for his pleasure, as well as for her silence.
Lazzaro defended himself by claiming he provided Medina with financial support out of generosity.
The trial also uncovered Lazzaro's systematic approach. Victims testified that they were introduced to Lazzaro through social media connections like Medina or a male acquaintance.
Prosecutors alleged that Lazzaro had a playbook or "breaking-in process" that involved providing the girls with money, gifts, and a sympathetic ear while also listening to their troubles. Attorneys described his approach as "an art."
The FBI became involved in the case after a victim's mother observed concerning behavioral changes in her daughter, accompanied by unusually large cash deposits into their shared bank account. Apparently, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was already investigating reports from another victim's family, as per StarTribune.
Agents executed a search of Lazzaro's 19th-floor Hotel Ivy condo in downtown Minneapolis in December 2020, and Lazzaro even shared videos of the raid on his website. He was then arrested in August 2021.
During his trial, prosecutors presented an image of Jeffrey Epstein, which Lazzaro had apparently sent to a friend with the caption "RIP my brother."
Prosecutor Melinda Williams told the jury that Lazzaro was a man who "seemed like he had it all." She emphasized, "He wanted sex and not just any sex. He wanted sex with minor girls under the age of 18. And he had a plan to get it."
Lazzaro's representatives staunchly denied the trafficking allegations, asserting that he was unfairly targeted due to his political activities. Spokesperson Stacy Bettison stated, "He continues to believe he was selectively prosecuted for his political activities."