A major ally of former President Donald Trump who was indicted on charges of trying to influence the government on behalf of another country has ties to the Central Coast.
Tom Barrack was arrested on a seven count indictment Tuesday. Federal prosecutors say he tried to influence the Trump Administration to favor the United Arab Emirates. Barrack chaired Trump’s inaugural committee.
The billionaire entered not guilty pleas during a federal court appearance Tuesday.
Barrack owns a ranch in Santa Barbara County, as well as a Santa Barbara County winery.
He founded Colony Capitol, the investment firm which at one point owned Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, in the Santa Ynez Valley.