McCord pleads guilty to attempted extortion, faces lengthy jail term

Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted extortion in federal court.

 

Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord has pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted extortion in federal court. The plea comes less than a month after his abrupt resignation and admission of guilt.

The Montgomery County Democrat bowed his head Tuesday as a prosecutor detailed the charges against him for trying to coerce two potential donors into giving money to his campaign for governor.

With warnings like “you are going to have the state treasurer looking to screw you,” and “at the very least I’m still gonna be the freakin’ treasurer,” McCord threatened a Philadelphia-based law firm and a western Pennsylvania property management company to give to his campaign or risk any business or perks they received from the commonwealth.

McCord won’t be sentenced until after June 29. He could face a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Federal authorities have recommended a reduction in that sentence. Robert Welsh, McCord’s lawyer, wouldn’t comment on how that might affect the end result.

McCord hunched over a William Kennedy novel as he waited for proceedings to begin and left the courtroom without comment, smiling weakly as he entered an elevator.

He has been released on the condition that he will return for sentencing. At that time, Welsh hinted, a “presentation” could flesh out why McCord tried to force the campaign contributions.