Harrisburg Capitol Building.

By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com

A former top aide to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell pleaded guilty Tuesday in a pay-to-play scheme involving a phony company set up by the FBI.

John H. Estey pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud after funneling illegal campaign contributions to Pennsylvania legislators to help the fake company, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. 

Estey’s attorney said hie client was “sorry about the mistakes he has made.”

Estey is facing up to 20 years in prison but sentencing guidelines call for six months of probation.