Cunningham pleads guilty to tax evasion

Reuters
Cunningham pleads guilty to tax evasion

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - California Republican Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court on Monday to conspiracy and tax evasion for taking money from a defense contractor in exchange for supporting its efforts to secure Defense Department contracts.

Cunningham, 63, an eight term Congressman and decorated Vietnam War veteran, has been under federal investigation for his ties to Washington-based defense contractor MZM Inc. since the summer.

He has said he will not seek re-election in 2006. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27.