What to Know
- Pawlowski led Pennsylvania's third-largest city for 12 years, winning re-election while under indictment.
- Prosecutors sought at least 13 years in prison for Pawlowski. His lawyer argued for a reduced sentence.
- Pawlowski asked the federal judge for mercy and leniency, saying he "never once imagined" himself in this position.
Ed Pawlowski, the former mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania, got 15 years in federal prison Tuesday, despite asking a judge for mercy and leniency.
Pawlowski, a Democrat who was elected to office while under federal probe, said in court that he ran for public service because he "wanted to make a difference." He says he "worked hard, night and day, to try to bring this city back."
"I never once imagined myself left in this position," he told U.S. District Judge Juan Sanchez.
A jury convicted Pawlowski in March of trading campaign cash for city contracts. Federal prosecutors say he coerced city vendors to contribute to his failed campaigns for governor and U.S. Senate. They're asked for a sentence of at least 13 years.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
