Prosecutors urge convicted Allentown mayor to resign

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Federal prosecutors are urging a Pennsylvania mayor convicted on dozens of corruption charges to resign.

U.S. Attorney Louis Lappen Friday said Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was unfit to serve even before a jury determined that he had sold his office to campaign donors.

The Democrat cried in court as the verdict came down Thursday, and his wife collapsed in a hallway.

MORE: Allentown mayor Ed Pawlowski found guilty of selling his office to campaign donors

His lawyer tells The Associated Press that Pawlowski respects the jury's verdict but maintains his innocence. Jack McMahon says the conviction is a "devastating blow" to Pawlowski, who will be required to forfeit office.

Authorities say Pawlowski masterminded a scheme to rig city contracts to raise money for his statewide political campaigns.

Lappen says a timetable for Pawlowski's resignation has not been set.