Robbins May Get Sentence Cut Sharply : Prison: Prosecutors will urge a judge to reduce his five-year term to 24 months, former state senator says. His cooperation in federal probe is cited.

SACRAMENTO —  Federal prosecutors will recommend a sharp sentence reduction for former state Sen. Alan Robbins because of his cooperation in a continuing investigation of corruption in the Capitol, the former San Fernando Valley lawmaker told The Times on Friday.

Robbins, who is serving a five-year sentence for racketeering and tax evasion, said he expects the U.S. attorney here to ask U.S. District Judge Edward J. Garcia on Monday to reduce his sentence to 24 months.

If Garcia agrees, Robbins said he could be transferred to a federal halfway house in the Los Angeles area this fall and may be paroled as early as Jan. 21. The former lawmaker said there is no halfway house near his San Fernando Valley home, but he could be placed in a facility in Hollywood or one near Dodger Stadium.

Federal prosecutors confirmed that there will be a hearing Monday concerning Robbins’ sentencing, but declined to elaborate.

In November, 1991, Robbins stepped down from office after federal prosecutors announced that he would plead guilty to charges that he had used his office for personal gain. At the time, then-U.S. Atty. George L. O’Connell said that his office could ask for a sentence reduction, depending on the level and value of the former lawmaker’s cooperation.

Under federal law, Robbins’ sentence can be reduced only on a recommendation from prosecutors. And the final decision on whether to grant the government’s request is left to the judge. However, Robbins said it would be unusual for the judge to turn down the recommendation.

Robbins began serving his sentence in June, 1992, when he reported to the federal prison camp at Lompoc. However, the Van Nuys Democrat has spent many weeks in the El Dorado County Jail, not far from Sacramento, so he can aid the FBI and prosecutors in preparing cases against at least two political figures.

Robbins’ cooperation proved central to the indictment on corruption charges of former California Coastal Commissioner Mark L. Nathanson. Last month, Nathanson pleaded guilty to using his public office to extort payments from Hollywood celebrities and others seeking permits to build along the coast. Nathanson is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 24.

Nathanson and Robbins admitted extorting almost $250,000 from a San Diego hotel developer who was trying to block a rival project.

Robbins’ role may be even more crucial to the government’s case against Capitol lobbyist Clayton R. Jackson. In February, a federal grand jury named Jackson in a 12-count indictment, alleging that he bribed Robbins in order to win legislative favors for his clients.

Beginning in spring, 1991, while still serving in the state Senate, Robbins wore a hidden recording device and had numerous conversations with Jackson. In those conversations, Jackson promised to pay Robbins $250,000 for help with legislation, with part of the cash to be routed through Robbins’ fictitious girlfriend, according to government transcripts filed in court. Jackson never paid the money.

Jackson has pleaded not guilty to all charges and argued that Robbins distorted and misrepresented their conversations in an effort to get out of prison early.

In addition to his prison term, Robbins was ordered to pay fines and restitution totaling $475,000.

He has been battling to save his real estate broker’s license.

The state Department of Real Estate plans a revocation hearing in the fall.