Citing cooperation in probe, US seeks leniency for ex-candidate tied to former Rep. Rivera

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 09, 2013 - 11:25 am EDT

MIAMI — Federal prosecutors are seeking a lenient prison sentence for a former South Florida congressional candidate linked to ex-Rep. David Rivera because of his cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

Prosecutors on Thursday asked a judge to sentence 35-year-old Justin Lamar Sternad below federal guidelines because of his assistance. Prosecutors say he has provided information about others who have committed federal crimes. No names are mentioned and no one else has yet been charged.

Sternad pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, false statements and illegal contributions charges that each carry a maximum five-year prison sentence. Sentencing is June 3.

Sternad was charged after the Miami Herald reported Rivera secretly financed his Democratic primary campaign to weaken eventual winner Joe Garcia, who went on to unseat Rivera. Rivera has repeatedly denied the accusations.

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