By St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis – A former liquor control officer for the city of St. Louis has pleaded guilty to one federal count of bribery.
James Allen Morgan was indicted in July for using his position as an employee of the city's excise division to help an applicant get a liquor license for a new bar in the city.
Morgan admitted on Monday that in November and December 2009, he met with the applicant for a new bar several times and suggested himself as the manager for the new establishment, seeking a salary plus a "signing bonus" for an automobile. In exchange, Morgan promised the applicant she would have no problems getting and keeping a city liquor license for her new bar.
When the city awarded the new club a license in December 2009, Morgan admitted that he demanded $1,000 in cash as a reward for helping the owner obtain a license.
Morgan will be sentenced on February 2 of next year. He faces 10 years in prison and possible fines of $250,000.