Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison in a corruption case that involved cash bribes with a local real estate developer.
U.S. District Court Judge John F. Walter handed down the sentence after receiving a letter from Huizar, who apologized for his crimes. The former councilman said he paid a huge price already, losing his reputation and ability to provide for his family and harmed his children’s future and mental health, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Huizar and two of his associates previously pleaded guilty to charges related to a $500,000 bribery from David Lee, a Southern California real estate developer. He also pleaded guilty to tax evasion and organized crime charges last January.
The former council member agreed to serve at least nine years in prison. Walter said the 13-year sentence was necessary to “engender respect” for the country’s anti-corruption laws.
Lee planned a major commercial and residential development in downtown Los Angeles. But when the project was halted in the city approval process, he reached out to Huizar, the Department of Justice said.