Prosecuting Political Corruption

Sheriff Pay-to-Play Bribery Scandal

The Santa Clara County sheriff's "pay-to-play" scandal involved former Sheriff Laurie Smith, who was accused of allegedly exchanging concealed carry weapons permits (CCW) for campaign donations and political favors, often from tech executives and VIPs. A 2021 grand jury indicted her on corruption and misconduct charges, DA Rosen’s Office prosecuted. In 2022, a civil jury found her guilty on six counts of corruption. She resigned just before the jury verdict, becoming the first sheriff in county history to be removed for corruption.

Santa Clara Councilman Anthony Becker Corruption Conviction

Mercury News: https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/04/04/ex-santa-clara-vice-mayor-anthony-becker-sentenced-to-40-nonconsecutive-days-in-county-jail/

SF Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-backed-former-santa-clara-official-20226872.php

SJ Spotlight: https://sanjosespotlight.com/ex-santa-clara-councilmember-anthony-becker-to-be-sentenced-friday/

KQED: https://www.kqed.org/news/12034219/former-santa-clara-official-sentenced-to-probation-after-perjury-conviction

ABC 7: https://abc7news.com/post/ex-santa-clara-councilmember-anthony-becker-avoids-jail-time-49ers-perjury-case/16128559/

Bay Area Reporter: https://www.ebar.com/story/153943

SFist: https://sfist.com/2025/04/04/49ers-favorite-perjury-committing-santa-clara-elected-official-avoids-jail-gets-40-days-of-county-work/

Santa Clara News Online: https://santaclaranews.org/2025/04/04/breaking-convicted-felon-anthony-becker-sentenced-to-40-day-work-program/

KTVU: https://www.ktvu.com/news/former-santa-clara-councilman-sentenced-jail-time-after-lying-jury

Prosecuting Political Corruption

Sheriff Pay-to-Play Bribery Scandal

Santa Clara Councilman Anthony Becker Corruption Conviction

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