Dem Rep's Former Campaign Aide Pleads Guilty to Paying Opponent to Drop Out of 2012 Primary

A strategist for Rep. Robert Brady (D., Pa.) on Friday admitted to helping cover up the Brady campaign’s $90,000 contribution to a Democratic primary opponent to bribe him to drop out of the race.

Donald Jones pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents and has agreed to cooperate in the investigation going forward, Roll Callreported.

Both Jones and fellow Brady Aide Ken Smukler were charged in October with making illegal campaign contributions on behalf of Brady to former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Jimmie Moore to bribe him to drop out of the 2012 primary race. Moore pleaded guilty to hiding the $90,000 payment.

"I accept full responsibility for my actions and consider my guilty plea a first step in making amends," Jones said in a statement. "I apologize to the people of Philadelphia and to my family for bringing this dishonor upon them."

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