The disgraced former California State Senator Leland Yee, best known for his loud stance against video games, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a variety of crimes involving illegal arms dealing and for trading his political influence for bribes.
The former politician attempted and failed to pass a bill banning the sale of “M” rated video games to anyone under the age of 18 in his home state. Yee faced up to $250,000 in fines plus 20 years for his crimes, but had his sentenced reduced with a plea bargain.
Prosecutors argued in their successful case against Yee that the politician demonstrated a “venal attitude toward his position as an elected public official” who had used and abused his authority for personal gain at the cost of his constituents.
According to Mercury News, Yee was arrested in March 2014 during an FBI sting operation, which saw undercover FBI agents posing as potential campaign contributors. Yee agreed to use his position to influence legislation in California for medical marijuana businesses, facilitate an NFL team owner trying to exempt pro athletes from being fairly paid, among other charges.
While serving as State Senator, Yee also attempted to arrange an illegal arms trade through the Philippines in exchange for money.
FBI officials identified more than $100,000 in bribes directed at Yee during their investigation.
Yee was arrested alongside high-profile gang members of the San Francisco-based Chee Kung Tong triad, who participated in criminal activities with Yee.
Given his extensive rap sheet, he’d fit right into the next Sleeping Dogs.
