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Riddle Gets More Than 3 Years For Corruption

Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle has been sentenced to 37 months in prison in a corruption scheme involving ex-Detroit councilwoman Monica Conyers and others.

Riddle apologized Wednesday at federal court in Detroit. He warned people who work for public officials against being enamored of the illusion of power.

U.S. District Judge Marianne Battani says Riddle was more than a "bag man'' for Conyers.

The government accused Riddle and Conyers of shaking down businesses for thousands of dollars. He pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy.

Riddle's lawyer had filed a 25-page document to explain why two years in prison would be plenty. The government recommended 37 months.

Riddle has been in custody since May and will get credit on his sentence.
  
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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