The last time former U.S. Rep. Michael “Ozzie” Myers stood before a federal judge to face sentencing in a bribery case, Ronald Reagan was president and Abscam — the 1970s scandal that sent Myers and a host of other elected officials to prison — dominated newspaper headlines.
The South Philadelphia politician emerged from the New York courtroom brimming with confidence that his conviction would be overturned on appeal.
But as the now 79-year-old found himself facing a similar predicament Tuesday — this time awaiting punishment for a separate bribery scheme involving ballot-stuffing in local elections — he didn’t emerge from the courthouse at all.
