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Phila. Traffic Judge Pleads Guilty in Another Corruption Case

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As expected for weeks, former Philadelphia Traffic Court judge Thomasine Tynes today pleaded guilty -- again.

But the new conviction won't mean additional prison time.  The newly imposed sentence -- 11½ to 23 months -- will run concurrently with her previous two-year federal sentence for lying to federal investigators during a corruption probe.

In the local pay-to-play sting case, Tynes, 71, admitted accepting a $2,000 Tiffany bracelet from a man posing as a businessman for a fine-collection company.

"He makes it clear he is giving it to her as a token of appreciation on behalf of his clients, for all of her help and assistance in trying to get the contract," notes Philadelphia assistant DA Mark Gilson.  "It is all captured on tape.  And her reaction to having received it is one of pure joy and ecstasy."

In court, a tearful Tynes apologized, acknowledging the damage she did to herself and others.

"I'm glad it is over, and I wanted to do the right thing," she told KYW Newsradio after today's court proceeding.

Tynes is scheduled to begin her federal sentence in February.

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