WASHINGTON – Former D.C. Councilman Michael Brown is reportedly readying a guilty plea in a bribery case against him.

Federal prosecutors are expected to formally file charges as early as Friday, detailing the accusations against him. Sources tell The Washington Post Brown admitted accepting money from FBI agents posing as businessmen seeking to be eligible for a D.C. government program that gives contracting preferences to certain businesses.

Brown, who won his at-large seat on the council as an independent in 2008, called friends and supporters this week, arguing he did not commit a crime but knew he should not have been involved.

Brown reportedly said he would rather enter a guilty plea and avoid a risky trial, according to the Post.

This is not Brown’s first criminal case. In 1997, he pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance laws.

The councilmember’s bid for reelection was unsuccessful. He was defeated in November by David Grosso.

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