Former Cincinnati City Council member PG Sittenfeld appeared on the popular Lincoln Ware Show on Friday, marking his first public appearance since a federal judge dismissed the bribery and extortion charges that had hung over him for a year.
Charges dismissed with prejudice
The court ruled on Monday to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning the government cannot re‑file the same charges. In addition, the judge ordered the return of the $40,000 Sittenfeld had paid in fines.
Sittenfeld had been convicted in 2022 of accepting campaign contributions in exchange for votes on a downtown development project. He received a 16‑month prison sentence in 2023, but President Donald Trump granted him a full pardon in May 2025, a move that surprised Sittenfeld because he had not applied for it.
Sittenfeld’s remarks on the Lincoln Ware Show
During the interview, Sittenfeld said the dismissal was a relief but emphasized that he does not intend to seek elected office again. “It’s such a fun question, I’ve answered it many, many times now, the desire isn’t there,” he told host Lincoln Ware. He added that he wants to spend more time with his young children and serve the community in other ways.
When asked about the Trump pardon, Sittenfeld described it as a “huge shock” because he had not pursued any formal pardon process. He expressed gratitude, noting that the unexpected clemency lifted a heavy burden.
Local reaction
Listeners in the Cincinnati area responded with a mix of curiosity and support. Many praised the former councilmember’s honesty about his family priorities, while others reflected on the broader implications of presidential pardons for local officials.
The episode underscores how federal actions—such as a presidential pardon—can intersect with local politics, affecting the reputations of community leaders and the public’s trust in government.
What’s next for Sittenfeld?
Although he says he will not run for office again, Sittenfeld hinted that he may remain involved in civic initiatives, though he offered no specifics. He reiterated his commitment to being a positive influence in Cincinnati, focusing on family and community service rather than elected office.
The dismissal of the case closes a chapter that began with a 2022 conviction and a 2025 presidential pardon, and it may serve as a reference point for future discussions about accountability, forgiveness, and the role of federal clemency in local governance.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
