Candidate's uncle gets probation in voting fraud case

has been sentenced to five years of probation for violating federal election law, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

Moretina had earlier entered a guilty plea to fraudulently registering to vote in July 2010, in what was then the 40th Missouri House district. Nephew

was a candidate in the Democratic state House primary that August.

Rizzo won that primary by a single vote.

Moretina faced a five-year prison sentence on the federal charge, but was given probation. He had earlier reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

In June Moretina and his wife pleaded guilty to an election fraud charge in Jackson County. They paid a fine and forfeited their voting rights.

This story was originally published September 4, 2013 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Candidate's uncle gets probation in voting fraud case."