Ex-US Rep. Anthony Weiner pleads guilty in sexting case

May 19, 2017 23:22

Former United States Rep. Anthony Weiner, whose penchant for sexting strangers ended his political career and sparked a probe that upended the presidential race, pleaded guilty to a sex charge, tearfully apologising

for communications with a 15-year-old girl that he said destroyed his "life's dream in public service".

Weiner pleaded guilty to a single count of transmitting sexual material to a minor, admitting he began exchanging online messages with the girl in January 2015 and engaged in obscene communications that included "sharing explicit images and encouraging her to engage in sexually explicit conduct".

"I have a sickness, but I do not have an excuse," he said.

The 52-year-old former Democratic congressman paused repeatedly as he fought back tears and tried to compose himself. He said he knew the texting was "as morally wrong as it was unlawful".

Pleading to the charge, which will require that he register as a sex offender, exposes him to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, but Weiner signed a plea agreement with prosecutors in which he agreed not to appeal any sentence between 21 and 27 months in prison. His lawyer can request leniency at a sentencing scheduled for September 8.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Nitin Gadkari faints while speaking at campaign rally

Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday fainted while speaking at an election rally in eastern Maharashtra's Yavatmal district.

'Aionos will bridge silos within aviation, hospitality using AI'

Industries such as aviation and hospitality have many silos within them and Aionos, the joint venture between Interglobe Enterprises (IGE) and Assago Group, is an attempt to bridge them and boost efficiencies using artificial...

Will Cummins Impress Allu Arjun?

Pat Cummins left his fans pleasantly surprised as he delivered the famous dialogue from Allu Arjun's Telugu blockbuster Pushpa.

Gut Health Key To Prevent Chronic Illnesses

Maintaining the balance of gut microbiota is important as an imbalance, also known as dysbiosis, can cause or aggravate different diseases, including but not limited to digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, mental...

Campaigning ends for 89 seats in Phase 2 of LS polls

Polling is scheduled in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 7 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in...