Former California state senator Leland Yee pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony racketeering charge, admitting he solicited and accepted bribes, and will likely face prison time for his part in the high-profile organized crime and public corruption case that ended his political career.
Former Sen. Leland Yee changes plea to guilty in corruption case
Yee previously pleaded not guilty to bribery, money laundering, gun trafficking and other felony charges, and was scheduled to go on trial later this month with three other defendants, political consultant Keith Jackson, his son, Brandon Jackson, and former sports agent Marlon Sullivan.
But Yee changed his plea today in federal court, admitting to wire fraud and using his political influence to accept bribes, and will likely serve prison time of at least several years. According to federal sentencing guidelines, he could face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
