A 60-year-old former Maryland Prince George’s councilman was sentenced to a 48-month federal prison term on Tuesday, Sept. 4. He’d previously been charged with both bribery and conspiracy for agreeing to accept money in exchange for agreeing to vote in favor of the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Prince George’s County.
Evidence presented in court by prosecutors showed that the Prince George’s County Council member may have received as much as $15,000 cash from lobbyists, liquor board commissioners and store owners to motivate him to pass the bill. Ultimately, he gave his go-ahead on at least two bills over the course of several years. By him doing so, it paved the way for liquor to be sold in the county on Sundays.
The councilman was arrested with seven others in January of 2017 as part of Operation Dry Saloon. His co-conspirators that were also indicted included liquor store owners, commissioners and lobbyists. His co-conspirators ultimately resolved their cases by taking plea deals. It’s unclear if any of them were sentenced to prison.
At his sentencing, the councilman noted that he thought that any monies that he received were campaign donations and that he never had any ill intentions of voting in exchange for funds.
When someone has been charged with a federal offense, they can feel as if no one understands them or is on their side. How a case ultimately gets resolved is often contingent upon an attorney’s skill and reputation. It’s best to let a veteran Clinton attorney handle your case if you want your rights and freedom protected.
