NPR: Cunningham's Briber Get 12 Years in Jail

Cunningham's Briber Get 12 Years in Jail

Brent Wilkes, the Poway, California defense contractor who federal prosecutors have said was the mastermind behind the largest congressional bribery scheme in history, was sentenced to 12 years in prison earlier today. Prosecutors had wanted 25 years or at least a minimum of 16 years and eight month - twice what former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham received for his role in the scheme.

Wilkes was convicted on Nov. 5 of "conspiracy, bribery, fraud and money laundering in connection with the bribery scheme" that ended the political career of Cunningham. Prosecutors said the scheme, where Wilkes gave Cunningham "expensive meals, gifts, fancy trips, cash bribes and prostitutes" in return for defense projects sent in Wilkes direction. The plan netted Wilkes $46 million.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that U.S. District Judge Larry A. Burns disagreed with prosecutors about Wilkes being the mastermind, "yet said he was troubled by Wilkes' demeanor in court."

"Mr. Wilkes, you have not indicated any sense of contrition to this day," he said. ... The judge said there were troublesome aspects to this case, which demonstrated how shrewd and exploitative Wilkes was.

To the end, Wilkes continued to insist he had done nothing wrong, politely refusing to admit his guilt when the judge urged him to do so.

9:55 PM ET | 02-19-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Tom,

You might be getting yourself in trouble, after all this story was ignored by NPR on all their news shows (the Network that "Hear's no evil, sees no evil, reports no evil" when it comes to the GOP and their 30+ corrupt Congressmen and White House employees.)

Just like last week, ignoring the first contempt of Congress subpoena in 25-years, . . .no coverage, on comment.

Kenneth Tomlinson may be gone, but his "Fox fair and balanced" editorial policy live on.

Sent by Ron Gordon | 9:25 AM ET | 02-20-2008

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