P.G. Sittenfeld loses appeal of corruption convictions

Former Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld has lost his appeal against a federal corruption conviction involving bribery and attempted extortion, as upheld by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 2-1 ruling. Initially convicted in July 2022, Sittenfeld was sentenced to 16 months in prison but was released mid-sentence while his appeal was pending. His legal team argued that the evidence did not support a quid pro quo arrangement necessary for a bribery charge, warning that upholding the conviction could set a dangerous precedent for political fundraising. The court maintained that there is a clear distinction between legitimate campaign contributions and bribery, affirming the jury's role in making this determination. Sittenfeld's conviction stemmed from allegations of trading favorable votes for campaign contributions linked to a development project. While his legal journey continues, Sittenfeld's attorneys remain hopeful for a potential new trial or reversal of the conviction.