Reading City Council members who served with Francis Acosta reacted to his sentence by a federal judge in Philadelphia on Monday.
Authorities said Acosta took an $1800 bribe to change a city ethics law. Acosta pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges on Aug. 5, 2015. He was sentenced Monday to serve two years in prison, spend three years on supervised release, perform 200 hours of community service, and pay an $1,800 fine.
Acosta appeared remorseful and apologized to the city for his actions. It was also a somber day for city council members.
“You know, we are all disappointed, but I don’t think anyone is more disappointed than Francis himself,” said Jeff Waltman, the current president of the Reading City Council.
Waltman added that he hoped Acosta would have received a lighter sentence.
“I think this is the saddest of days for the city of Reading, certainly for Francis and his family,” said Councilwoman Donna Reed.
Council members, however, said the sentence serves as an important reminder.
“I think it’s also a bellwether moment in that the obligation of the public trust, betraying the voter’s trust in you is probably one of the most heinous things a public official can do,” said Reed.
Council members said perhaps Acosta was a casualty of a bigger scenario involving other players.
Acosta’s lawyer said the bribe came from former Mayor Vaughn Spencer. Spencer has not been charged.
Contacted by 69 News on Monday, Spencer declined to comment on Acosta’s case, per the advice of his attorney.