Former Philly Councilman and Head of Public Record Jimmy Tayoun Dies at 87

James Tayoun Sr. was 87.

A former Philadelphia City Council member who went to federal prison for corruption and started a newspaper after his release has died. James Tayoun Sr. was 87.

His newspaper, The Public Record, announced his death Wednesday.
The son of a Lebanese immigrant, Tayoun grew up in Philadelphia, got a journalism degree from Temple University and wrote for newspapers including the Philadelphia Daily News. He later served on the council and in the state Legislature.

In 1991, he was charged with racketeering. He pleaded guilty to paying bribes to a former council member and accepting money to introduce legislation.

While behind bars, he wrote a how-to guide for future inmates called "Going To Prison?"

His grandson David Tayoun Truscello says his grandfather wasn't perfect but always tried to help others.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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