The New York Times delved yet again into the mystery of Trump supporters this weekend, with a piece examining women who attended Trump rally throughout the country — including a Montana woman who pleaded guilty three years ago to multiple felonies and is therefore unable to vote.
Reporters Julie Hirschfeld Davis and Katie Rogers did not mention the criminal background of Rachell Tina Marks, whom they described as working in “car sales” with a super-fan’s attachment to the president.
Marks was sentenced to 10 years of probation on charges of felony deceptive practices and exploitation back in 2015 for fleecing two elderly Montana residents, ages 78 and 92, out of more than $36,000, according to the Billings Gazette. Marks used the money to buy pearls, a fur coat and “SpongeBob SquarePants-themed golf clubs,” the paper reported.
In a statement to TheWrap, the Times said its editors knew about Marks’ criminal record but considered it irrelevant.
“Editors were aware of the source’s criminal record. That record is not disclosed in the story because it is unrelated to both the overall topic of the story and the subject’s quote,” a spokesperson told TheWrap.
Though her criminal history went unmentioned by the Times, the paper did run a large photo of her wearing a richly adorned red fur jacket.
“I have an infatuation and a love for this man that’s not normal,” Marks said in the piece. “I give the highest respect when people are telling the truth and giving their political power. If anything, I have a deeper respect now.”
Marks also shrugged off Trump’s praise for Montana’s U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, who achieved national infamy after body-slamming a reporter from the Guardian.