Rep. Ami Bera's Father Admits To Making Illegal Campaign Donations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The father of a California congressman is admitting he illegally funneled nearly $270,000 in campaign contributions to his son's campaigns.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ami Bera of Elk Grove is not charged. Bera is running for re-election against Republican Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones.

Babulal Bera pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating federal election laws. Prosecutors are seeking no more than 2½ years in prison.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento says the elder Bera arranged for friends, relatives and acquaintances to contribute to his son's failed 2010 campaign. He did it again for his son's successful 2012 bid, when he unseated Republican Congressman Dan Lungren.

He then illegally reimbursed the donors.