Report: Prison sought for former Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker

Former Fiesta Bowl CEO (left) could face prison time for his role in an illegal campaign-finance scheme. (AP photo)

Federal prosecutors will seek a one-year prison sentence for former Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker for his role in an illegal campaign-finance scheme, The Arizona Republic's Craig Harris reported.

Last year, Junker pleaded guilty to one felony of soliciting a fraudulent scheme. In the scheme, which was unveiled by The Arizona Republic in 2009, employees made political campaign contributions that were reimbursed with bowl funds.

Junker was one of six Fiesta Bowl employees to be convicted in the scheme, but federal prosecutors are only seeking a prison sentence for Junker. According to Harris, prosecutors believe Junker should go behind bars because he encouraged the other employees to participate in the scheme.

In the past decade, 11 former Fiesta Bowl staffers were reimbursed for their campaign contributions, according to the Republic. The contributions — which went to local, state and federal candidates — totaled more than $40,000. The money was delivered to the political candidates through lobbyists who were reportedly employed by the Fiesta Bowl.

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