A former field director for the political advocacy organization ACORN was sentenced today in district court to up to three years of probation.Christopher Edwards, who in August pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime of compensation for registration of voters, a gross misdemeanor, received a suspended jail sentence and a $500 fine. He has agreed to testify against ACORN and one of its former regional directors, Amy Busefink.
| So it wasn't just because of his winsome smile. |
"I take responsibility for what I did," Edwards told the court. "I'm sorry, I truly am."
Busefink and ACORN pleaded not guilty on Oct. 27. A trial date is set for April 19.
If convicted, Busefink likely would face probation or less than one year in jail. ACORN could see a $5,000 fine.
The attorney general's office said Edwards organized and operated a quota system called "blackjack" or "21+" through which the group paid canvassers based on the number of voter registration cards they collected each day. The canvassers were to gather at least 20 completed cards daily and anyone who turned in 21 or more would be given an extra $5.
Busefink, as a manager, is said to have approved the "blackjack" program. But ACORN officials have said Edwards acted alone in developing and carrying it out.