Former L.A. City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas was sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison on Monday.
On March 30, Ridley-Thomas, 68, was convicted on federal bribery, conspiracy, and mail and wire fraud charges for voting in support of county contracts in favor of USC while accepting benefits for his son from the school.
In addition to jail time, United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer ordered three years of supervised release and a $30,000 fine.
“There is simply no justification for monetizing a public office," Fischer said.
According to KNX News' Craig Fiegener, Ridley-Thomas spoke in front of the judge prior to the sentencing where he said the case "exists on legal contact on one end and illegal conduct on the other."
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Galia Amram, Ridley-Thomas’ attorney, told reporters that the case “has been devastating for the supervisor, his family, his constituents, and all of Los Angeles.”
“As Dr. Ridley Thomas stated in court today, he deeply regrets that his actions caused anybody to question that he crossed the line,” she said. “But as this case is also shown, Dr. Ridley Thomas's legacy is far stronger and far bigger than this case. He has spent 30 years devoted to helping protect, house, and defend the most vulnerable people in Los Angeles and that legacy will last far beyond today. We respect the jury and we respect the court's decision today, but there are significant legal issues that will be addressed on appeal.
His son, Sinclair Ridley-Thomas, also delivered a statement, saying the family is “deeply disappointed in the current state of affairs related to proceedings in Mark Ridley-Thomas's trial.”
“We know Mark as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin and uncle,” he said. “We are honored to have Mark as a leader in our family as he continues to embody the principles of integrity, hard work, community, uplift intellect and humility.”
He will report to prison on November 14.
In July, Marilyn Flynn, the former dean of USC's School of Social Work, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay a fine of $150,000. She pled guilty to one count of bribery.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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