US congressman pleads guilty to federal tax evasion

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm pleaded guilty today in a federal tax-evasion case that he fought as he won re-election this fall.

Grimm entered his plea in a New York federal court to one count of aiding in the filing of a false tax return. Sentencing is set for June 8.

He'd been set to go to trial in February on allegations he hid more than $1 million in sales and wages while running a Manhattan health-food restaurant.

Prosecutors said between 24 and 30 months in prison would be appropriate; the defense estimated the appropriate sentence as 12 to 18 months.

It's not immediately clear how the plea will affect the Staten Island Republican's congressional career. In October, he said he'd step aside if he was "not able to serve."

The case stemmed from an investigation of Grimm's campaign financing. He was never charged with any campaign offense.