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This story was originally posted at 12:45 p.m.

Jesse Benton, a longtime ally of Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) who is heading up a super PAC supporting his presidential campaign, has been indicted by a federal grand jury, the Justice Department said Wednesday, on charges that he concealed payments made to a former Iowa state senator during the 2012 presidential campaign in order to win his support.

The indictment marks a new complication for Paul, whose political future is on the line in 2016. He is hoping to hold onto his U.S. Senate seat, which is up for reelection, if he does not win the GOP White House nomination.

The charges against Benton, a member of the Paul family by marriage, stem from an endorsement-for-pay scheme during the 2012 campaign of former Republican congressman Ron Paul of Texas, which Benton chaired.Two other former Ron Paul campaign officials were indicted, including John Tate, who was Ron Paul's campaign manager and is now also involved with heading up the pro-Rand Paul super PAC; andDimitri Kesari, who was Ron Pauls deputy national campaign manager.

The indictment charges the defendants withconspiracy, causing false records to obstruct a contemplated investigation and causing the submission of false campaign expenditure reports. It alleges they paid more than$70,000 to then-Iowa state senator Kent Sorenson in exchange for his support. The indictment accuses the men ofconcealing their payments from the Federal Election Commission and the FBI.

Federal campaign finance laws are intended to ensure the integrity and transparency of the federal election process, said Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell in a statement announcing the indictment. When political operatives make under-the-table payments to buy an elected officials political support, it undermines public confidence in our entire political system.

Both Ron Paul and a spokesman for Rand Paul issued statements accusing the Justice Department of a politically-motivated attack.

"I am extremely disappointed in the government's decision," Ron Paul said in a statement. "I think the timing of this indictment is highly suspicious given the fact that the first primary debate is tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved."

Rand Paul's campaign, through an unnamed spokesman, offered similar criticism of the timing."Senator Rand Paul is disappointed that the Obama justice department chose to release this just prior to the highly anticipated first Republican presidential debate," the campaign said. "It certainly appears suspiciously timed and possibly, politically motivated. Additionally, these actions are from 2012 and have nothing to do with our campaign."

Benton's attorneyRoscoe C. Howard, Jr.said in a similar statement that his client would be vindicated. "Mr. Benton is eager to get before an impartial judge and jury who will quickly recognize this for what he believes it is: Character assassination for political gain," he said.

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