Ex-Fiesta Bowl officer may avoid jail time

Posted on Sep 12, 2012 in Sports | 0 comments

The U.S. attorney’s office recommends no jail time for the Fiesta Bowl’s former chief operating officer for her involvement in a campaign contribution scheme.

Natalie Wisneski aided authorities after admitting her involvement in an illegal scheme in which Fiesta Bowl employees were reimbursed with the Arizona college football event organization’s money after making campaign contributions to specific candidates. U.S. Attorney John Leonardo said in court filings Friday he will recommend probation for Wisneski, citing her “full and continued cooperation” with law enforcement. She faces up to a year in prison when she is sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court, The (Phoenix) Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.

She is among six current or former Fiesta Bowl employees, including John Junker, the former bowl chief executive officer who pleaded guilty to state or federal crimes in the investigation.

Former bowl lobbyist John MacDonald also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for not properly disclosing travel spending for lawmakers, the newspaper said.

Copyright 2012 by United Press International