Former Prince George's Co. Fire Official Gets 18 Months In Prison

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) -- A former Prince George's County fire department official who bribed public officials in exchange for acts that benefited a development in which he had a financial interest has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison.

Karl Granzow pleaded guilty in March to extortion conspiracy and tax evasion. Federal prosecutors said he conspired with two developers to make illegal contributions to 10 political campaigns. He also admitted bribing public officials in exchange for acts that benefited a mixed-use development project near the Greenbelt Metro station.

The 47-year-old was sentenced Friday in federal court in Greenbelt. He will also have to pay a $10,000 fine and forfeit his financial interest in the development.

Granzow's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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