Saturday, March 12, 2005
Aide to Sen. Biden Sentenced as 'Sugar Daddy'
A former aide to U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing more than $400,000 in campaign funds partly to buy gifts for men he met through the Internet.
Roger Blevins III, 34, a former assistant campaign treasurer for Biden, was sentenced in federal court Thursday after pleading guilty last year to two charges, including interstate transportation of stolen property.
Assistant U.S. Attorney April Byrd said Blevins wanted to play "sugar daddy" to three Florida men he met online. Prosecutors alleged he made almost two dozen improper transfers or withdrawals from Biden's account in 2002 and 2003 and spent the money on expensive dinners, wine and luxury cars, including a Porsche Boxster and a BMW convertible.
Blevins apologized in court Thursday, saying his actions were "stupid, ignorant and wrong." He said he never intended to harm the Delaware Democrat's political career.
A phone message left with a Biden spokesperson was not immediately returned Friday.
According to court records, Blevins got involved with the men when he placed the highest bid for a date with one of them. One of the men reportedly had a fight with Blevins and called authorities.
A former aide to U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing more than $400,000 in campaign funds partly to buy gifts for men he met through the Internet.
Roger Blevins III, 34, a former assistant campaign treasurer for Biden, was sentenced in federal court Thursday after pleading guilty last year to two charges, including interstate transportation of stolen property.
Assistant U.S. Attorney April Byrd said Blevins wanted to play "sugar daddy" to three Florida men he met online. Prosecutors alleged he made almost two dozen improper transfers or withdrawals from Biden's account in 2002 and 2003 and spent the money on expensive dinners, wine and luxury cars, including a Porsche Boxster and a BMW convertible.
Blevins apologized in court Thursday, saying his actions were "stupid, ignorant and wrong." He said he never intended to harm the Delaware Democrat's political career.
A phone message left with a Biden spokesperson was not immediately returned Friday.
According to court records, Blevins got involved with the men when he placed the highest bid for a date with one of them. One of the men reportedly had a fight with Blevins and called authorities.
