A former Brooklyn City Councilman who pleaded guilty to bribe charges wants a judge to cut him a break at sentencing – claiming his crime was an “isolated” incident that has destroyed his life and driven him to drink.
Angel Rodriguez, 46, has provided Brooklyn federal Judge Frederic Block with dozens of letters from relatives and business associates praising him as an “underdog” who overcame his difficult upbringing.
But life’s been hellish since his arrest in March, according to a social worker’s report that says a “near-disabling” sense of guilt has driven Rodriguez to drink too much, gain weight, and slip into a lethargic depression, court papers filed by his attorney show.
Rodriguez resigned as representative of the 38th council district in August and pleaded guilty to taking $1.5 million in property and $50,000 cash from a developer in exchange for throwing a controversial project his vote. His sentencing is March 27.