DC prosecutors defer to judge in corruption case

WASHINGTON (AP) — Prosecutors say they won’t oppose a light sentence for a former District of Columbia Council candidate who lied about his campaign financing.

The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/1vLlEXt ) reports that prosecutors say they will defer to Judge Anita Josey-Herring at Jeff Smith’s sentencing Thursday in D.C. Superior Court. They cite his cooperation, lack of prior convictions and previous community service.

Smith pleaded guilty June 23 to making a false statement to the District’s campaign finance office regarding his failed run against Councilmember Jim Graham in a 2010 Democratic primary. As part of the plea, Smith acknowledged that businessman Jeffrey Thompson had secretly funneled $140,000 to his campaign.

Thompson has pleaded guilty to setting up a $668,000 slush fund that year for Gray’s campaign that year.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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