Federal prosecutors say the owner of an Annapolis painting business has pleaded guilty to hiring illegal immigrants and money laundering. Robert Bontempo, 47, pleaded guilty Thursday to hiring as many as 24 workers who weren't U.S. citizens or weren't authorized to work in the U.S. Federal prosecutors say he paid them in cash from 2003 to 2005, when he started paying them by check. Prosecutors also say he didn't require the workers to provide documentation of their work status or citizenship status. Bontempo has agreed to forfeit five bank accounts, 10 vehicles and seven properties paid for with money his business earned. He will be sentenced Sept. 4.
Associated Press
Autism fundraiser at Oregon Ridge Park
Kennedy Krieger Institute will sponsor its annual ROAR for Autism fundraising bicycle ride, hike and family fun festival Saturday at Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville. Registration begins at 7 a.m. for 25- and 50-mile bike routes starting at 7:30 a.m. Hiking trails open at 8 a.m. for 5- and 10-mile routes at 8:15 a.m. Registration closes at 9 a.m., and all riders must be on the course by then. The family festival includes children's activities and health information. Information: 443-923-7300.
Rawlings-Blake hires Abney as assistant
City Council President Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake has hired a retired Baltimore City police lieutenant to work as a special assistant in her office. The officer, Darren Q. Abney, spent 20 years as a city officer and was last assigned to the Southwest District. In his new job, he will provide "for the safety and well-being" of the City Council president, accompany her to meetings, supervise the maintenance of cars assigned to the office and advise her on public-safety issues, according to the Board of Estimates agenda item. He will be paid $60,000 a year, and he replaces Nicholas Paros.
Annie Linskey
