SACRAMENTO Scrap dealer admits bribery

A Novato scrap dealer has admitted paying more than $200,000 in bribes to city employees in Sonoma, San Francisco and Sacramento to get the right to sell used water meters.

Prosecutors said 76-year-old Sheldon Morris pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Sacramento to charges relating to the Sacramento and Sonoma bribes.

He also admitted paying more than $17,000 to two San Francisco employees, although he was not charged with crimes relating to those payments.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 24, when he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. As part of a plea agreement, Morris agreed to pay more than $186,000 in restitution to the three cities.

-- Associated Press