Allentown's former city controller has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge amid an FBI probe of government contracting in the city.
Sixty-five-year-old Mary Ellen Koval entered the plea Thursday.
Prosecutors say Koval and others were involved in a bribery and kickbacks scheme. They allege an elected city official seeking statewide office demanded campaign contributions from vendors in exchange for city business. Koval was charged with taking part in the plot.
The official hasn't been named in court documents, but Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski ran for U.S. Senate before dropping out amid the federal probe. Through his attorney, Pawlowski has denied misusing his office while running for Senate. Pawlowski hasn't been charged.
Koval is the first elected official charged in the case. She was re-elected in November but resigned last week. Sentencing is April 19.
