Former mayor sentenced to nearly 4 years for selling public jobs; appeal rejected

Wu Jhen-chung, the former mayor of Zhutian Township in Pingtung County, has had his appeal rejected in a bribery case involving the sale of public positions. The High Court's Kaohsiung Branch upheld the original sentence of 3 years and 10 months imprisonment.

The case centers on allegations that Wu accepted NT$900,000 (approximately $28,000 USD) in bribes. A man identified by the surname Xie reportedly reached an agreement with Wu in January 2023 to secure a position as a cleaner in the township office. Xie allegedly delivered the bribe money directly to Wu's residence. Subsequently, in April of the same year, the township office announced recruitment for cleaning staff, and Xie was successfully hired after the interview.

In October 2025, the Pingtung District Court initially sentenced Wu to 3 years and 10 months in prison and deprived him of political rights for four years. The court considered Wu's confession and the return of illicit gains during its sentencing.

Wu appealed the decision, requesting a lighter sentence. He argued that he did not accept bribes for the other three cleaning positions filled during the same recruitment period and that he did not actively solicit bribes. Furthermore, he highlighted his lack of prior criminal convictions, his recognized achievements during his tenure as mayor, and ongoing health problems requiring medical treatment as reasons for leniency. However, the High Court's Kaohsiung Branch found no impropriety in the original trial's judgment and dismissed the appeal. The ruling is not yet final.