WILLIAMSPORT — The former mayor of Scranton has pleaded guilty to charges he shook down businesses for bribes and campaign contributions throughout his term-and-a-half in office.

Bill Courtright’s plea in federal court Tuesday to charges of bribery, extortion and conspiracy came less than 24 hours after he resigned as mayor of the city of 78,000.

He was released without bail pending sentencing in November.

Federal prosecutors say the 61-year-old Courtright, a Democrat, collected tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and services by pressuring people who needed city permits or contracts.