The former chief of staff for D.C. Councilman Jim Graham was sentenced to eight months for his role in a large-scale scheme to corrupt the District’s taxi industry, prosecutors said.
Ted G. Loza, 46, pleaded guilty in February to two felony charges of accepting illegal payments and a misdemeanor for making a false statement on a D.C. government financial disclosure form.
Prosecutors were seeking 14 months in prison. Loza’s attorneys were asking for probation, arguing that Loza did not commit bribery as originally charged.
Prosecutors said Loza was a key figure in helping his conspirators attempt to capture the District’s taxicab market and his actions were tantamount to accepting a bribe.
Loza admitted to accepting more than $7,000 in cash, plus trips, limousine rides and meals.
