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Bribes and Extortion Netted Consultant $100,000+
PHILADELPHIA – A former Easton City Councilman and political consultant has pleaded guilty to bribing local officials in Allentown and Reading.
Michael Fleck, 40, formerly of Allentown, PA, admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion and bribery offenses and one count of tax evasion. U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 25, 2016.
According to court documents, Fleck’s consulting company conducted fundraising and campaign-related services for certain elected officials in Pennsylvania, including Public Official #1 of Reading and Public Official #3 and Mary Ellen Koval of Allentown. These officials sought re-election and higher office, and each attempted to leverage their positions for campaign contributions.
The scheme involved explicit exchanges of campaign contributions and official action, with Fleck facilitating quid pro quo solicitations, offers, and agreements. He obtained tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions through extortion, bribery, and/or fraud.
In Allentown, Fleck helped manipulate a contract award process to favor the Partnership, a group that made large campaign contributions to Public Official #3. He worked with Finance Director Gary Strathearn and Assistant City Solicitor Dale Wiles to sabotage the award process and ensure the Partnership prevailed.
Similarly, in Reading, Fleck and Public Official #1 obtained campaign contributions from companies that relied on government contracts, such as those represented by Donor #2 and Donor #3. Public Official #1 allegedly limited direct interactions with donors, but insisted that they interact with Fleck and his employees.
Fleck’s conspiracy involved multiple parties, including Ramzi Haddad, Donor #1, Donor #2, Donor #3, Donor #4, Law Firm #4, Donor #5, and the Partnership. The scheme netted Fleck tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions and other benefits.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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