Fmr. Md. Delegate, Councilman Pleads Guilty To Bribery Charge

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A former Maryland Delegate and Prince George's County Councilman has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges.

42-year-old William Alberto Campos Escobar's guilty plea was related to taking bribes as part of his official duties, according to a release from U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland's Office.

As part of his plea agreement, Campos will have to pay restitution of at least $340,000.

His sentencing is set for April 10, where he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum of 10 years in prison for bribery.

Escobar's lawyer, Barry Wm. Levine, Partner, Blank Rome LLP, released the following statement:

"This is a difficult time for Will Campos.  He has transgressed and he acknowledges his wrongdoing.  He is deeply remorseful and accepts full responsibility for his profound error.  People are complex.  It would be a mistake to judge him only through the acts which are the subject of his error.  He is a man of great compassion and decency.  Through his public service he has affected the lives of many in a multitude of positive ways.  He is a deeply religious man and prays that the Court will acknowledge his many redeeming qualities."

Campos was elected as Prince George's County Councilman for District 2 in 2004, where he served until being elected as a Maryland General Assembly Delegate in 2014. He resigned from that position in September 2015.

During his time as a councilman, the county allowed council members to award $100,000 in grant funds to non-profit organizations.

According to his plea agreement, Campos accepted bribes for awarding grant funds to organizations.

In one case, Campos admitted to accepting a $3,000 bribe to award $5,000 in grant funds to an organization.

During an undercover operation, Campos again accepted a bribe to give out grant funds, as well as sought campaign contribution to another candidate's campaign.

Campos also admitted he received more than $20,000 in bribes in exchange for $325,000 in grant money.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook