Howard Birdsall, who, as founder and former CEO of now-defunct Birdsall Services Group, presided over a $1- million scheme in New Jersey that illegally funneled political donations through employees, was sentenced on April 22 to four years in state prison. Birdsall, 72, pleaded guilty to a second-degree charge in February and also paid a nearly $50,000 fine. Two top executives who also pleaded guilty await sentencing, while several others may still be charged. At his sentencing in state superior court, Birdsall said he “took full responsibility” for what the firm did.