People should learn from this example. Don't ever assume that you can count on friends or associates to help you conceal the facts if there exists any possibility that they might face criminal liability. Your best friends will likely rat you out to save themselves from prosecution.
It's just human nature. Omertà is a myth.
I suspect that D’Souza didn’t directly repay these people for their donations. What likely is the case is that they work for D’Souza. The government will build the case that their salary/remuneration was a direct repayment for their donation. I don’t think there is a real case here.