Judge Asked To Be Lenient On Former S. Florida Congressional Candidate

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – Due to his cooperation during a federal probe into former Rep. David Rivera, prosecutors are seeking a lenient prison sentence a former congressional candidate Justin Lamar Sternad.

On Thursday, they asked a judge to sentence Sternad, 35, below federal guidelines because of his assistance. Prosecutors said 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 3rd.

Sternad was charged after CBS 4 news partner 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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