William Alberto Campos-Escobar, Former Prince George’s Co. Councilman

A former Maryland delegate and Prince George’s County councilman has pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges, federal prosecutors said.

William Alberto Campos-Escobar, 42, accepted bribes in exchange for help with zoning rules and obtaining grant money, according to federal prosecutors.

Campos represented District 2 on the county council from 2004 until 2014. During that time, Campos and other council members were allowed to award $100,000 in grant funds to the non-profit service organization of their choice.

During one exchange, federal prosecutors say Campos and another suspect met with a cooperating witness on Dec. 9, 2012, to discuss moving the witness’s business to Prince George’s County. During their next meeting, the witness gave Campos an envelope with $3,000 in cash. Campos then told the witness to find a non-profit organization to share the grant with.

From 2011 through 2014, Campos also received between $21,000 and $24,000 from two county business owners in exchange for giving $325,000 in county grant money to entities controlled by those business owners, federal prosecutors say.

As part of his plea agreement, Campos will be required pay restitution of at least $340,000.

He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 10, 2017.

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Rushern Baker III assisted in setting up funds for NGOs in Prince George’s County  which led to the current fiasco. During that time, Campos and other council members were allowed to award $100,000 in grant funds to the non-profit service organization of their choice.

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