Md. Developer Admits Making Straw Contributions

TOWSON, Md. (AP) -- A Baltimore County developer has pleaded guilty to making straw contributions to a county councilman and exceeding contribution limits.

Stephen Whalen entered guilty pleas on five counts during a court appearance Thursday morning. A judge imposed probation before judgment and a total of $53,000 in fines. Whalen's attorney, Andrew Jay Graham, says his client paid the fines Thursday, which means he's no longer under probation.

Whalen admitted giving $2,500 in cash to three different people who then gave that money to Councilman Tom Quirk last year. He also pleaded guilty to violating the limits on contributions during a Maryland election cycle.

Graham says his client took full responsibility for his actions. The sentence of probation before judgment allows the conviction to be expunged from Whelan's record.

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