The allegations that Temple City elected officials demanded bribes is gaining momentum. Prosecutors seized tape-recordings made by a developer who claims three city council members asked for bribes — thousands of dollars and a condo —  in return for support on a project.

Prosecutors seize tapes in Temple City bribery probe
By Alfred Lee, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/08/2009 04:11:18 PM PST

TEMPLE CITY – Prosecutors have seized tape-recordings made by a developer who claims they support his allegations that city leaders demanded bribes from him in return for cooperation on a long-delayed development project.

The recordings contain conversations between Randy Wang, the developer of the Piazza mall project, and City Council members. The recordings back up Wang’s claims of bribery solicitation, said his lawyer, Patrick Duffy of Monteleone & McCrory.

“They support the allegations that are in our affirmative defense,” Duffy said.

Wang has accused Mayor Cathe Wilson and council members Judy Wong and David Capra of demanding thousands of dollars in cash payments and a condominium from him in order for his project to progress smoothly through City Hall.

Wilson, Wong and Capra have denied Wang’s claims. Read more.