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Jail Term Reduced For Man Linked To Ex-Rep. Rivera Investigation

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A former U.S. House candidate who pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations in a case linked to Republican ex-Rep. David Rivera has had his prison time cut.

Duringa hearing Friday for Justin Sternad, prosecutors argued that he deserved credit for cooperating extensively in the Rivera investigation. Sternad was initially sentenced to seven months after pleading guilty to several charges.

Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sided with prosecutors and sentenced Sternad to 30 days in jail, followed by three months of house arrest.

Sternad will report to the jail on November 3rd.

Sternad and co-defendant Ana Alliegro admitted their roles in a scheme to secretly finance Sternad's candidacy in the 2012 Democratic primary in an attempt to weaken eventual winner Joe Garcia. They say Rivera was behind the plan, but he has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.

Garcia defeated Rivera in the general election and is now seeking re-election to the 26th District seat.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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