Lanier Avant, the longtime Chief of Staff for US Congressman Bennie Thompson, was indicted for a second time yesterday in federal court in DC. In 2016, he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from failing to file taxes. He was sentenced to serve 30 days in prison plus 12 months of “weekend imprisonment”
The latest charges stem from falsifying a SF-86 form used to obtain top level security clearance.
UPDATE – Bennie Thompson in a Clarion Ledger interview stands by his Chief of Staff in light of the charges.
Copy of the indictment
Avant Indictment 101117 by yallpolitics on Scribd
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Charlotte Kramon, Associated Press
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, Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press
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March 12, 2026
Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability
The bill passed on Thursday would reduce regulations, regulate corporate investors and expand how housing dollars can be used to build affordable homes and rentals.
