Eight years for convicted lawmaker

last updated 8 January 2015

San Diego

Former U.S. Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham was sentenced last week to eight years and four months in prison for taking $2.4 million in bribes. It was the longest sentence ever handed down for a member or former member of Congress in a corruption case. Prosecutors laid out the evidence that persuaded the California Republican to plead guilty, including a “bribe menu” on Cunningham’s congressional letterhead that detailed how much federal funding Cunningham would offer contractors in exchange for cash and gifts. During his 15-year congressional career, Cunningham acquired a house, cars, antiques, and luxury vacations. “I made a very wrong turn,” said Cunningham, 64. “No man has ever been more sorry.”