Michael Zucchet acquitted on most counts

[frylock]

SIGNONSANDIEGO NEWS SERVICES

5:11 p.m. November 10, 2005

SAN DIEGO – A federal judge Thursday acquitted former City Councilman Michael Zucchet of multiple wire fraud and extortion charges in the City Hall corruption case, and ordered a new trial on two other counts.

Zucchet was convicted July 18 along with former Councilman Ralph Inzunza and Las Vegas lobbyist Lance Malone on charges of trading campaign contributions for action to repeal a "no-touch" ordinance governing strip clubs.

Zucchet and Inzunza both resigned their council seats the next day.

Malone Thursday was sentenced to three years in federal prison, but U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller said Malone could remain free on bond pending a Dec. 12 court date, when he would be taken into custody.

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