8/2/17
by News Department on 08/02/17Former Mayor in court...
Former Democratic Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer was due to appear in court in Philadelphia, Tuesday, on federal corruption charges.
Spencer is accused of engaging in a series of pay-to-play schemes in which he allegedly sold the power of his office in exchange for campaign contributions.
Prosecutors say he made clear to businesses and individuals that city contracts would be withheld if they didn’t provide sufficient campaign contributions.
Spencer also is accused of bribing the city council president to repeal an anti-corruption statute.
The mayor of Allentown pleaded not guilty to similar charges last week.
Spencer’s lawyer has said he intends to fight the charges.
