City council meeting focused on housing development regulations.
Federal prosecutors have charged developers David and Trent Sanson for an alleged bribery attempt involving a local Missoula official. The pair reportedly sought favorable treatment in a housing project by offering $10,000 in campaign contributions and an additional $5,000 concealed in a coffee mug. The FBI is investigating while the developers deny the allegations and claim they are reviewing the charges. If convicted, they could face significant prison time, raising concerns over local governance and development practices in Missoula.
In a story that’s sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Missoula, federal prosecutors have stepped in to file charges against two developers linked to an alleged bribery scheme involving a local official. David Sanson, 60, hailing from Philipsburg, Montana, and his 33-year-old counterpart, Trent Sanson, from Walnut Creek, California, are at the center of these serious allegations.
According to reports, the Sanson duo attempted to sweeten a local official’s deal with a hefty $10,000 in campaign contributions in exchange for favorable treatment during the development review process of a housing project in East Missoula. That’s not all—the allegations suggest that an additional $5,000 in cash was cleverly disguised in a coffee mug and used as part of the bribe. Talk about a questionable way to boost your project!
The Federal Bureau of Investigation isn’t taking this lightly. Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani condemned the developers’ actions, asserting that such behavior undermines the integrity that public officials should uphold. It is a bold reminder that the actions of a few can cast a shadow on the entire community, raising serious concerns about the quality of local governance.
On the flip side, representatives for the Sansons have categorically dismissed these allegations, claiming they are untrue and detailing that they are closely reviewing the charges. The developers are known for their work with DeNova Homes, a development group making waves in various projects, including the much-discussed Aspire subdivision.
In August 2024, the Aspire subdivision received the green light from the Missoula City Council for a whopping 252-unit housing project. However, the plot thickens—just a couple of months later, in October 2024, local residents took legal action against both the city and the Aspire project. They accused the city of not properly adhering to its development regulations, leading to heated debates over town planning and community standards.
David and Trent Sanson are no strangers to large-scale development. In the summer of 2024, they sought approvals for the Aviano project, which is set to comprise 533 residential units near San Francisco. This project has not been without its challenges, as it was approved, but with stipulations regarding necessary infrastructure improvements. With such extensive projects under their belts, scrutiny over their methods is bound to arise.
Details surrounding the alleged bribery attempt reveal a fascinating timeline of events. On June 12, 2024, Trent Sanson reportedly approached a city councilor in Antioch, seeking support for the Aviano project. Just days later, on June 20, David Sanson met with the same official and discreetly handed over a coffee mug filled with $5,000 in cash. Unfortunately for the Sansons, that meeting did not end well—the city councilor swiftly reported the bribe attempt to law enforcement.
If found guilty, both developers could face a maximum of 15 years in prison, a significant consequence that showcases just how serious these allegations are. As construction on the Aspire subdivision is expected to commence soon, lingering concerns remain due to ongoing litigation related to the project. The specific city councilor involved in the alleged bribery has not been named in the indictment, leaving many residents wondering about the broader implications of this situation.
In light of these developments, the city of Missoula has chosen to maintain its silence regarding active lawsuits, as stated by Communications Director Ginny Merriam. However, the situation is drawing attention not just for its legal ramifications but also for raising questions about development practices and the necessity for transparency in local government activities.
As this story continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Missoula to see how it navigates these murky waters of alleged misconduct and to ensure accountability in its future housing projects.
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