Those costs included $31,000 for a specially equipped private jet to fly Cher to Los Angeles, $5,000 for Patti LaBelle's hairdresser and $35,000 for embossed director's chairs that guests were invited to take home as souvenirs. The biggest charge, $605,000, went for putting on the concert.
By law, Paul's payments were supposed to be reported in full. The Clinton campaign reported only $401,000.
Rosen was charged with two felony counts of causing the campaign to file false reports with the Federal Election Commission. Justice Department lawyers said Rosen, who had overall responsibility for the event, directed subordinates to remove expenditures from documents sent to the campaign's compliance officer in Washington.
The motive, prosecutors said, was to free up money that the Clinton campaign, under campaign finance limits, otherwise could not have lawfully spent on advertising and other direct advocacy.
The prosecution produced witnesses who testified that Rosen was present when Paul complained loudly about the out-of-control spending.
Rosen, testifying in his own defense, disputed those accounts. He said he relied on financial figures provided by Paul and Paul's associate, Aaron Tonken, through their representative, Bretta Nock, a professional event planner.
But prosecutors did not call Paul or Tonken to testify. Shortly after the Clinton gala, Tonken was convicted of defrauding charities through a separate business he ran. He is serving a 63-month sentence in federal prison.
Paul subsequently pleaded guilty to a massive stock fraud that caused the collapse of Stan Lee Media. He is awaiting sentencing.
With the assistance of Justice Watch, an organization long critical of the Clintons, Paul also brought a civil action against the former president and first lady in Los Angeles Superior Court. The suit, which is pending, accuses the ex-president of reneging on a promise to join Stan Lee Media after he left office. Paul also said he spent almost $2 million for the Clinton fundraiser.
During closing arguments, Rosen's lawyer, Paul Sandler, zeroed on the prosecution's decision not to call Paul or Tonken as witnesses. "Where is Peter Paul? Where is Aaron Tonken? Why are they not here?" Sandler asked.
Justice Department prosecutor Daniel Schwager insisted that Paul and Tonken had "absolutely nothing" to do with the alleged underreporting. He accused Rosen of trying to dodge responsibility by blaming the two felons.
