SAN FRANCISCO – No prison time for developer who bribed city officials for 18 years
Sia Tahbazof and his compatriots paid city inspectors in order to get special treatment on his projects
A federal judge has given no prison time to a San Francisco developer who admitted to bribing city officials in a prolonged scheme to accelerate building permits and pass inspections.
Sia Tahbazof, 73, was sentenced to three years of probation and a $75,000 fine for his crimes. The corrupt developer appeared in court Friday with scores of supporters who filled the gallery.
“This was a serious offense,” U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston said before handing down the sentence. “It took place over 18 years. That’s a long time to be paying bribes. That’s a long time to foster corruption in the housing department.”
That fine is like a slap of brotherly love — Crime really DOES pay in Sanctuary Cities!