RIVERSIDE, Calif.-A prominent California potato farmer indicted in a campaign contributions money-laundering case has been placed on three years' probation and is paying a $60,000 fine to the state Fair Political Practices Commission.
The 14-count indictment against 70-year-old Larry Minor of San Jacinto was announced Tuesday and settled in Riverside County Superior Court less than 24 hours later. He was charged with giving $66,400 in illegal contributions in the names of relatives, friends and business associates to two local candidates.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise says Wednesday's plea deal allows the Agri-Empire Corp. owner to stay in two elected offices he holds-the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District board and the Valley-Wide Parks and Recreation District. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors.