Arizona Lawmaker Admits Taking Bribe

An Arizona state lawmaker admitted to soliciting and taking a bribe in exchange for official acts.

Paul Ben Arredondo, a state representative, pleaded guilty Friday in Phoenix federal court to mail fraud and honest services fraud. Each charge carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 22, 2013.

He admitted in his plea that he sought and took things of value from "Company A," a fictitious firm operated by agents at the Federal Bureau of Investigation purportedly seeking to develop real estate in Tempe, Ariz.

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