Former midstate mayor pleads no contest to patronizing prostitutes

(Harrisburg) — A former midstate mayor has pleaded no contest to charges of patronizing prostitutes.

The state Attorney General’s office says former Bloomsburg mayor Eric Bower was charged after he solicited sex from a Pennsylvania State Police confidential informant in Columbia County.

Prosecutors say Bower negotiated a fee for sex with the informant and arrived at the location with cash and condoms, where he was taken into custody by police.

Bower has been sentenced to one year’s probation. He was also ordered to undergo counseling, and to turn over his firearm in connection with his prior duties as town constable.

Bower resigned as mayor and constable in May.