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Melahat Rafiei sentenced
Anaheim City Hall
(
Zaydee Sanchez
/
for LAist
)
Topline:
Former Orange County Democratic Party leader Melahat Rafiei, who became a cooperating witness in the FBI investigation into a corruption scandal that rocked Anaheim, was sentenced Friday to six months in federal prison.
What’s the backstory: The corruption scandal saw then-Mayor Harry Sidhu accused of soliciting a $1 million campaign contribution from the Angels baseball organization in exchange for passing them confidential information while negotiating the sale of Angel Stadium. He later resigned from his position as mayor and pleaded guilty to federal obstruction of justice, wire fraud and making false statements to federal agencies. Sidhu was ordered to pay a $55,000 fine and sentenced to two months in federal prison. He is expected to begin his sentence Sept. 2.
Also embroiled in the scandal was Todd Ament, the former head of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, who also pleaded guilty to federal charges including wire fraud and falsifying tax returns. Federal prosecutors called Ament one of the ringleaders of a “cabal” of elected officials, political consultants and business leaders who worked behind the scenes to influence Anaheim politics.
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What’s next: Sidhu is expected to begin his sentence Sept. 2. The Orange County Register has reported that Ament’s sentencing date is pending as he potentially negotiates a new plea agreement with federal authorities.
Go deeper:
Ex-Anaheim mayor convicted in corruption scandal sentenced to two months in federal prison
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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