(AP) - A former California assemblyman says in court records that he concealed bribes his state senator brother accepted in exchange for favorable legislation.
In a plea agreement with prosecutors, Thomas Calderon pleaded guilty to money laundering in Los Angeles federal court on Monday.
Calderon says he hid bribes his brother, former Democratic California Sen. Ron Calderon, accepted in exchange for supporting legislation expanding tax credits for the film industry.
Thomas Calderon isn't required to testify against Ronald Calderon, who has pleaded not guilty to bribery, fraud and money laundering. His trial is next month.
Ronald Calderon's attorney, Mark Geragos, called Thomas Calderon's plea agreement a "sweetheart deal," adding: "It's obviously meant to pressure my client into pleading."
Thomas Calderon's conviction carries up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors are requesting no more than one.
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