Monica Conyers pleads to felony

Very sad news but very damaging politically to Monica Conyers' husband, Congressman John Conyers Jr.

Talkleft:

Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Monica Conyers, wife of Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bribery, a felony, in connection with the Synagro bribery investigation.

Her lawyer, Steve Fishman, says her sentencing guidelines are likely to be 30 to 37 months. Her plea agreement did not refer to cooperation with the Government in exchange for a sentence reduction and states the parties do not agree on the amount of loss or restitution. The maximum sentence possible is 5 years. The Information and Plea Agreement are here (pdf).

Rep. Conyers' office issued this statement: [More...]

This has been a trying time for the Conyers family and with hope and prayer they will make it through as a family. Public officials must expect to be held to the highest ethical and legal standard. With this in mind, Mr. Conyers wants to work toward helping his family and city recover from this serious matter."

The U.S. Attorney, Terrence Berg, said Rep. Conyers had no involvement.