Brownlee, Waters to pay fines, costs for ethics breaches
Two former state lawmakers from Philadelphia, forced out of office after a corruption sting investigation, have agreed to pay fines and costs for violating ethics laws, officials said Thursday.
Two former state lawmakers from Philadelphia, forced out of office after a corruption sting investigation, have agreed to pay fines and costs for violating ethics laws, officials said Thursday.
Democrats Michelle F. Brownlee and Ronald G. Waters pleaded guilty this year to corruption charges in the sting case that had been dropped by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane and resurrected by Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.
The State Ethics Commission said that it reached a consent agreement with Brownlee and Waters, and that if they complied with the terms, the agency would close their cases.
Brownlee, who represented the 195th House District, agreed to pay a $250 fine for failing to disclose a $2,000 cash payment made to her by sting informant Tyron B. Ali.
She also agreed to pay $250 to the commission for expenses and costs of its investigation, and $2,000 concurrent restitution to Dauphin County Court.
Brownlee received the cash - wrapped in a napkin - from Ali during a walk outside a Harrisburg restaurant.
Waters, who represented the 191st District, agreed to pay a $1,000 fine for failing to disclose payments from Ali made to him, and $250 for expenses and costs of the commission's investigation.
He also agreed to pay concurrent restitution of $8,750 to Dauphin County Court. That was the amount of cash Waters accepted from Ali.
After one of the payments, Waters was caught on tape saying, "Happy birthday to Ron Waters."
Dauphin County Court had already ordered Brownlee and Waters to pay their restitution amounts, so they will not pay twice.
Brownlee was sentenced to 18 months on probation. Waters was sentenced to 23 months. Both resigned their seats after they were sentenced.
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