DENVER (AP) - A Thornton restaurant owner who served politicians has pleaded guilty to laundering money to run a marijuana-growing operation.

Forty-six-year-old Dan Tang also pleaded guilty Friday in Denver Federal Court to one count of asset forfeiture. His Heaven Dragon Restaurant features photos of Tang with Republican notables including former President George W. Bush.

Tang was charged in June. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 11. Prosecutors have recommended a prison term of up to 30 months. Prosecutors say a plea agreement states Tang will forfeit more than $1.8 million seized by the government.

Tang's attorney, Michael Axt, declined to comment about why Tang decided to plead guilty and did not allow tang to talk to reporters.
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