PHILADELPHIA, March 17 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia city councilman was convicted Friday of taking bribes from business owners seeking contracts from the city.
Rick Mariano faces six to 10 years behind bars. A judge ordered his immediate incarceration pending a psychiatric evaluation.
Prosecutors said Mariano received $30,000 from contractors who got about $700,000 in business.
Mariano continued to attend council meetings while he was under indictment, and even after the trial began, when he was able. City officials seemed unsure whether he would be forced out of office immediately or only after he is sentenced.
Mayor John Street suggested Mariano resign immediately.
"A jury has determined the law has been violated. No one is above the law," Street said. "No city employee or elected official is entitled to misuse a public position for private gain."
