Ex-defense lobbyist Magliocchetti pleads guilty to illegal contributions to House campaigns

Ex-lobbyist pleads to illegal campaign donations

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A former defense lobbyist who helped clients secure more than $100 million in contracts in recent years has pleaded guilty to funneling more than $300,000 in campaign contributions to House members controlling the Pentagon’s budget.

Paul Magliocchetti (MAGG-lee-oh-CHETT-tee) entered his plea Friday in federal court in Alexandria. He faces up to 15 years in prison at sentencing in December.

Magliocchetti founded the PMA lobbying group, which has faced investigation for years. He admitted to using family members and PMA lobbyists to channel contributions to House members in violation of campaign-finance laws.

His son, Mark Magliocchetti, had already entered a guilty plea on related charges and likely would have testified against his father had the case gone to trial.