By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-799487.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A former Erie County Executive candidate pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the election law. Former West Seneca supervisor Paul Clark appeared in Buffalo City Court Tuesday.
The charges stem from a lengthy probe by the Erie County District Attorney into Clark's 2007 campaign for County Executive. Clark accepted a plea deal. He admitted to failing to report a $10,000 campaign contribution from friend and business associate Roger Peck. Peck also entered a similar plea Tuesday.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark says both men admitted the money was paid to Joe Illuzzi for advertising on his website.
The probe began when businessman Michael Mullins revealed that he gave two bags of money to Paul Clark's campaign. District Attorney Clark says Mullins was also offered a plea deal but refused and will now face similar charges. Clark says there has never been any question that Mullins would face charges in the probe.
"Friends of Paul Clark" also pled guilty to failure to report a more than $8,000 contribution used to pay a secretary. Both Clark and Peck will be sentenced January 18th. The charge carry up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Click the audio player above to hear Eileen Buckley's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.