SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The father of a California congressman was sentenced Thursday to a year and a day in federal prison after prosecutors said he illegally funneled nearly $270,000 in contributions to his son’s campaigns.
A federal judge also fined Babulal Bera $100,000 for violating federal election laws, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Sacramento.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Ami Bera of Elk Grove was not charged and has denied knowing about his father’s activities. Prosecutors said they have found no evidence that he was involved.
Bera is running for a third two-year term against Republican Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, who has suggested his rival must have known about the scheme.
Babulal Bera of La Palma pleaded guilty in May to making excessive campaign contributions and making contributions in someone else’s name.
He acknowledged that he arranged for friends, relatives and acquaintances to contribute more than $225,000 to his son’s failed 2010 campaign for a House seat and then illegally reimbursing the donors.
He did it again with more than $43,000 for his son’s successful 2012 campaign.
“This is one of the most difficult moments my family has ever experienced,” Ami Bera said in a statement. “Of course I’m absolutely devastated and heartbroken for how today’s decision will impact our entire family. But my father’s accepted what he did was wrong, he’s taken responsibility, and I love him more than words can express.”