DETROIT, June 10 (UPI) -- Almost a year after admitting taking bribes, former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers says she wants to delay reporting to prison for about three months.
Conyers' attorney, Steve Fishman, filed a motion Wednesday saying a "close family member" is having surgery in late July and she needs to remain free until Sept. 26, The Detroit News reported.
"The relationship between Ms. Conyers and the close family member is such that her presence is required for the surgery as well as the duration of the recuperation period," Fishman said.
The relative was not identified in court documents.
Conyers was sentenced in March to 37 months in prison for taking bribes and ordered to report by July 1, the newspaper said.
Although officials at the U.S. Attorney's Office could not be reached for comment, Fishman said federal prosecutors usually do not oppose requests such as these.
"Defense counsel has made similar requests to extend report dates on behalf of clients in countless cases during his career," he said.
Conyers pleaded guilty to taking at least $6,000 in cash bribes in exchange for her 2007 vote on a sewage sludge contract, the News reported.
