Former Fiesta Bowl Executive Enters Guilty Plea Over 'Apparent Scheme'

John Junker, the former top executive of the Fiesta Bowl, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony charge over allegations stemming from a political donations scandal.

Junker entered his plea over soliciting political contributions from Fiesta Bowl employees. The bowl later reimbursed employees for about $48,000 over a nine-year period.

Junker was fired last year by the Fiesta Bowl and chief operating officer Natalie Wisneski also resigned.

According to a 276-page bowl investigation report, Junker was found to be the head of an "apparent scheme'' to reimburse at least $46,539 of employees' political contributions. The report also mentioned lavish spending by Junker with bowl money.

A state felony, the crime that Junker pled guilty to carries a presumptive 2 1/2-year sentence. However he is also eligible for probation or a judge could reject the deal and have discretion at sentencing.

Wisneski has pleaded not guilty in regard to her involvement in the scandal.