Former D.C. Councilmember could face fines for bribery

The District of Columbia ethics board has issued a notice of violation against a former Councilmember who pleaded guilty to taking $55,000 in bribes from undercover agents.

The city’s Board of Ethics and Government Accountability could fine Michael Brown up to $165,000 or three times the amount he received in bribes. The board plans to serve Brown with a document informing him of such sanctions.

Brown pleaded guilty in June and faces up to three years in prison. Brown admitted to taking money from agents disguised as businessmen interested in government contracts.