Former Reading council president sentenced to 2 years

PHILADELPHIA -- A former eastern Pennsylvania city council president has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for taking a bribe in exchange for efforts to repeal the city's campaign finance law.

The Reading Eagle reports that former Reading council president Francisco Acosta apologized Monday in federal court in Philadelphia, saying what he did was "wrong, despicable and a dishonor for the people who elected me."

When U.S. District Judge Juan Sanchez noted that he had heard nothing about why the 40-year-old defendant committed the crime, Acosta said "I ask myself that question every day."

Acosta pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy in accepting $1,800 to help the campaign of a political ally, identified by his lawyer as Acosta's wife. She ran unsuccessfully for district judge. She wasn't charged.

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Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/