LOS ANGELES (MCT) — Two former council members in the Los Angeles-area city of Lynwood accused of illegally boosting their salaries were convicted Tuesday in a closely watched case that legal experts said could expand the definition of public corruption.

The guilty verdicts marked a significant victory for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office in its efforts to crack down on city officials who pay themselves excessive salaries. The Lynwood trial was seen as an important test case for prosecutors as they prepare to try former Bell council members accused of similar charges in a much higher-profile corruption scandal.