County Official Convicted in Sting
- Share via
A federal jury convicted the first public official in an undercover corruption sting known as “Tennessee Waltz.”
Hamilton County Commissioner William Cotton, 58, was found guilty of conspiring with a lobbyist to extort $4,750 in bribes in exchange for supporting a resolution to benefit a phony company created by the FBI.
Cotton was also convicted on one count of attempted extortion. Each charge carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Seven officials -- including five current or former state lawmakers -- have been indicted in connection with the sting, which became public in May.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
