WASHINGTON (AP) — A former top campaign aide to District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray is due in court for a status conference in his criminal case.

Thomas Gore pleaded guilty to funneling under-the-table cash to a minor mayoral candidate and trying to cover up the payments. Federal sentencing guidelines call for him to receive between 12 to 18 months in prison. A sentencing date could be set during Tuesday’s court appearance.

Gore was the first of three campaign aides to Gray who have pleaded guilty as part of an ongoing federal investigation into corruption in the district. The probe has revealed that Gray’s 2010 victory over incumbent Adrian Fenty was aided by $650,000 in off-the-books spending. The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

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