It looks like all it might take is a $250 campaign contribution. Never mind that the winner has been convicted and served time for stealing $600K.
Despite his admissions at the time, Stern said Wednesday he was pressured into a plea bargain.
"I didn't do what they say I did," Stern said. "I was wrongly accused, but I didn't have the money . . . to continue with good representation."
Stern was sentenced to 2 1/2 to five years in prison and ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to felony theft charges in 1996 in Hillsborough County Superior Court.
Stern admitted to bilking 14 local businesses and individuals out of a total of more than $600,000 through an "advance fee loan scam." Stern admitted at the time he took the money as fees, claiming he would arrange venture capital loans, but never made any loans.
Recipients were invited to be recognized at a dinner and tax reform workshop in Washington, D.C., on March 15, at which President Bush was the keynote speaker, Burgos said.
The awards were given by NRCC, and announced by House Majority Leader Tom Delay and NRCC Chairman Rep. Tom Reynolds of New York, to honor business leaders who support the party, and honor President Reagan's "vision for an entrepreneurial America."
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com
Via: Duckman GR at The Left Coaster