A Federal Grand Jury has added extortion and witness tampering the slew of charges against a former 49th Assembly District candidate accused of accepting bribes.
John Tran withdrew his promise of a guilty plea in the federal corruption case in December and faces 115 years in federal prison if convicted, the Pasadena Star-News reported. Had he accepted the plea bargain offered him, Tran would have had a 10-year sentence.
"Extortion is a powerful word," Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Akrotirianakis told the newspaper. "But this is a case about extortion, witness tampering and obstruction of justice. It is much more serious."
Tran served on the Rosemead City Council from 2005-2009. He was mayor from 2007-2009 before being voted out.
Prior to having the charges brought against him, Tran was running in the new 49th Assembly District, which includes San Marino.
The plea bargain that Tran withdrew from can be viewed on right.
Tran is scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles Feb. 21 to answer to the bribery charges.
