A former campaign worker for Max Linn, an Independent U.S. Senate candidate from Maine who passed away in late 2021, has been convicted of stealing $225,000 intended for cryptocurrency investments. Matthew T. McDonald faced charges after it was revealed that he misappropriated the funds entrusted to him by Linn in 2021 for personal enrichment.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that McDonald diverted the money for gambling, personal expenses, and trading in stocks and cryptocurrencies, ultimately failing to repay Linn. The defense team contended that Linn, aware of McDonald’s lack of financial experience, still charged him with managing the significant sum. However, the jury ultimately did not accept this argument as a valid defense for McDonald’s actions, questioning how inexperience with investments could justify the misuse of funds for personal gambling.
McDonald took the stand and alleged that a power imbalance existed between him and Linn, describing him as “violent” and “abusive.” He cited fear as a reason for not informing Linn about the financial losses he incurred. Despite these claims, which did not directly dispute the fact that he had squandered the money, the jury found him guilty of theft by deception and unauthorized taking.
Linn had previously campaigned to unseat Senator Susan Collins in 2020 before dying from what was reported to be a heart attack at the age of 62. Maine Assistant Attorney General Charles Boyle emphasized the importance of holding McDonald accountable even after Linn’s death. “The rights of crime victims don’t pass along when they pass along,” Boyle stated, underlining the prosecutive efforts as necessary for both justice and community protection.
Currently, McDonald is out on bail while awaiting a sentencing hearing. This incident is not McDonald’s first brush with the law; in 2021, he had previously accused Linn of threatening him with a gun after failing to return the significant sum. Although Linn’s attorneys denied the claims, a judge issued a temporary protection order in favor of McDonald against Linn.
