The Third Circuit affirmed the defendant’s convictions of federal programs bribery and conspiracy concerning a pay-to-play scheme involving Allentown’s former mayor. The defendant argued: (1) there was insufficient evidence to support the bribery charge; (2) the Government failed to prove the single conspiracy alleged in the indictment, resulting in a prejudicial variance from the indictment; (3) The Government impermissibly amended the bribery charge; (4) the Government made improper statements during its closing argument; and (5) his trial should have been severed from that of his co-defendant because the defendant was prejudiced by the numerous charges lodged against the former Mayor. The Third Circuit rejected each claim.
