CHICAGO (AP) — A former Chicago White Sox scouting executive has pleaded guilty in an alleged kickback scheme targeting players from impoverished parts of Latin America hungry to play in the U.S.
David Wilder pleaded guilty Friday in Chicago to one count of mail fraud. He told U.S. District Judge Charles Norgle he understood what he’d done.
Prosecutors last year accused the 50-year-old and two former scouts for the team in Latin America of accepting about $400,000 to secure 23 prospects between 2004 and 2008.
The indictment says the kickbacks were concealed from the team and its senior officials.
Norgle didn’t immediately set a sentencing date. Wilder faces a maximum 20 years in prison. But his plea deal with the government may result in a less severe sentence.
