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Sentencing Date Set For Lobbyist In Redflex Bribery Scandal

WCBE Files

A judge has set a March 30th sentencing date for the Columbus City Hall lobbyist who pleaded guilty  in the Redflex bribery scandal. John Rapahel, a personal friend of Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther, pled guilty to an extortion charge. Prosecutors say he solicited from Redflex campaign contributions for elected city leaders  in order for the firm to maintain its municipal contract. 70 thousand dollars was funneled from Raphael through the state and county Democratic parties to the campaigns of Columbus officials. No former or current elected official was charged and federal investigators have closed their probe. Former Redflex CEO Karen Finley is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty last June to attempting to bribe Columbus officials.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
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