Former D.C. Councilman Michael Brown pled guilty to a bribery charge in federal court. Brown, who was charged on Friday, entered the plea on Monday.
Prosecutors are accusing Brown of accepting $55,000 in cash payments from undercover FBI agents disguised as businessmen seeking superior treatment from the city government.
Upon entrance into Brown’s guilty plea, evidence was presented showing the former councilmember’s cooperation with the larger investigation of a D.C. businessman connected to the secret financing of Mayor Vincent Gray. Brown’s involvement in a larger investigation suggests other charges are in the making.
According to prosecutors, the bribery scheme dates back to conversations that began before July of last year. Brown asked a person to help him obtain $75,000 from a government contractor in exchange for Brown’s help. It was that person who arranged for Brown to meet with an undercover FBI agent.
On July 11th Brown received $15,000 in $100 bills stuffed into a duffel bag surrounded by Washington National’s gear. In August, an undercover agent gave Brown $10,000 inside of a Washington Redskins coffee mug.
Brown faces jail time ranging between 37 and 46 months. He has agreed to serve up to three years and one month as well as pay $35,000, which is the money he collected before having his final meeting with undercover agents.
