Pa. lawmaker convicted of taking bribes

HARRISBURG — A Pennsylvania state lawmaker faces the possibility of prison time after a jury on Wednesday convicted her of charges she accepted $4,000 in cash from an undercover informant seven years ago.

A Harrisburg jury found Philadelphia Democratic Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown guilty of bribery, five counts of conflict of interest and failing to properly file a financial disclosure form.

“We’re disappointed in the outcome,” said Lowery Brown’s lawyer, Pat Casey. “We will continue to fight on her behalf, and it is a classic case of government overreach.”

Casey said he expected to appeal.

The trial pitted prosecutors who argued she took the money in exchange for official favors against Lowery Brown’s defense team, which argued she had been entrapped into taking the money.

Lowery Brown is unopposed in seeking a sixth term in next week’s election. She declined to say what her plans are for her seat.

Prosecutor Mike Sprow said although he was uncertain about the details, if she is sentenced before the new session begins in December, it may affect her ability to qualify for lifetime health benefits and her pension. Sentencing was scheduled for Nov. 28.