Challenges in the Life of P.G. Sittenfeld in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and P.G. Sittenfeld faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Alexander Paul George Sittenfeld is an American politician who served on the Cincinnati City Council from 2011 to 2020. He was convicted on federal bribery and attempted extortion charges in 2022 following an FBI investigation. After his appeal was rejected, he received a pardon from President Donald Trump in May 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: State Law Removing Home-Rule Authority on Gun Control

In 2006, a state law removed the authority of Ohio cities to enact their own gun control laws, which Sittenfeld later attempted to reverse.

March 15, 2016: Loss in Senate Democratic Primary

On March 15, 2016, P.G. Sittenfeld lost the Senate Democratic primary election to former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

2018: Involvement in Gang of Five

In 2018, P.G. Sittenfeld was identified as leading the "Gang of Five", a group of Cincinnati city council members communicating via secret text messages.

March 2019: Gang of Five agreed to turn over text messages

In March 2019, the Gang of Five, including P.G. Sittenfeld, agreed to release their text messages to settle a lawsuit filed by a local anti-tax activist.

June 2019: Release of Text Messages Revealing Concerns About City Manager

In June 2019, additional text messages were released, revealing P.G. Sittenfeld's concerns regarding the city manager Harry Black, including discussions of his behavior and Sittenfeld's efforts to support him.

July 12, 2020: Announcement of Mayoral Run and Subsequent Withdrawal

On July 12, 2020, P.G. Sittenfeld announced his candidacy for the 2021 Cincinnati mayoral election but withdrew following his arrest.

November 19, 2020: Arrest on Federal Corruption Charges

On November 19, 2020, P.G. Sittenfeld was arrested on federal charges of corruption and bribery and was suspended from his seat on the Cincinnati City Council.

2021: Withdrawal from Mayoral Race

In 2021, P.G. Sittenfeld withdrew from the Cincinnati mayoral election after being arrested on corruption charges.

July 8, 2022: Conviction on Bribery and Extortion Charges

On July 8, 2022, P.G. Sittenfeld was convicted on two felony counts of bribery and attempted extortion after a trial in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati.