California Sen. Ron Calderon Expected to Surrender to Federal Authorities
Calderon, who was traveling when the 24-count indictment against him and his brother were filed last week, agreed to surrender on Monday.
AP Photo/Rich Pedroncell
In this Monday June 10, 2013, file photo State Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, left, holds a brief news conference during his first appearance at the Capitol after FBI investigators raided his offices in Sacramento, Calif. Calderon enters the new year with the cloud of an FBI investigation over his head for allegedly accepting money from a hospital executive and undercover FBI agent to influence legislation
Embattled California State Sen. Ron Calderon is expected to turn himself in to authorities Monday after being charged last week with several federal bribery and corruption charges.
The 56-year-old Montebello Democrat was traveling when the 24-count indictment was announced on Friday, and FBI officials said he agreed to surrender when he returned.
Prosecutors said Calderon accepted about $100,000 in cash bribes, chartered plane trips, high-end golf trips and gourmet meals. Calderon allegedly accepted these bribes in exchange for supporting or opposing legislation.
Tom Calderon, the state lawmaker’s brother, also faces charges in connection with the alleged scheme.
“The charges allege that the defendants traded influence for cash, and used kickbacks and other tactics to keep the system working in their favor,” said Bill Lewis, FBI assistant director in charge.
The indictment charges Ron Calderon with mail fraud, wire fraud, honest services fraud, bribery, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering and aiding in the filing of false tax returns.
Ron Calderon is also accused of paying his daughter $39,000 for a bogus office job and paying around $30,000 for his son’s schooling.
Tom Calderon faces a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering and seven counts of money laundering for allegedly funneling bribe money through a non-profit group and consulting company he
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