Federal prosecutors want a judge to reduce the prison sentence for a former U.S. House candidate who pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations in a case linked to Republican ex-Rep. David Rivera.
A hearing is scheduled Friday for Justin Sternad, who prosecutors say deserves credit for cooperating extensively in the Rivera investigation. Sternad was initially sentenced to seven months after pleading guilty to several charges.
Sternad and co-defendant Ana Alliegro admitted their roles in a scheme to secretly finance Sternad's candidacy in the 2012 Democratic primary in an attempt to weaken eventual winner Joe Garcia. They say Rivera was behind the plan, but he has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.
Garcia defeated Rivera in the general election and is now seeking re-election to the 26th District seat.
US Seeks Prison Sentence Cut for House Candidate Justin Sternad
Copyright AP - Associated Press
