PHOENIX (AP) — The Fiesta Bowl's former chief operating officer has been sentenced to two years of probation for her role in an illegal campaign-finance scheme.
Natalie Wisneski was sentenced Monday in federal court after pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge in March.
The Arizona Republic reports (bit.ly/SvkyJm) Wisneski avoided jail time because she helped prosecutors in multiple cases against current and former Fiesta Bowl employees who were allegedly engaged in the scheme.
Authorities say Wisneski conspired with others to ask bowl employees to make campaign contributions. The employees were then illegally reimbursed by the bowl.
The scheme, first reported by the Republic in 2009, tarnished the Fiesta Bowl's image.
During her sentencing, Wisneski apologized to the Fiesta Bowl and to the court for her mistakes.
