Marilyn Flynn, an 84-year-old former dean of USC’s School of Social Work, has been sentenced for her involvement in a bribery scheme with former Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas. In a court hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer sentenced Flynn to three years probation, including 18 months of home confinement, and ordered her to pay a $150,000 fine.
Judge Fischer also approved the prosecution’s recommendation of electronic monitoring during Flynn’s home confinement. The defense had argued for two years probation without home confinement and a $100,000 fine, but the judge rejected this plea.
In sentencing Flynn, Judge Fischer acknowledged her lifetime of dedication and service. She noted that it was unfortunate to see such an illustrious career come to an end in this way.
Imprisonment was not imposed on Flynn due to mitigating factors, such as her full acceptance of responsibility and voluntary disclosure of previously unknown incriminating information. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson praised Flynn for not minimizing her actions.
In September, Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of bribery, admitting to using USC as a conduit for a $100,000 payment from Ridley-Thomas’ campaign account to the social work school. As part of the scheme, Flynn arranged for a simultaneous $100,000 payment from USC to United Ways of California for the benefit of the Policy, Research & Practice Initiative, a nonprofit led by Ridley-Thomas’ son.
To conceal their actions, Flynn and Ridley-Thomas kept USC unaware of Ridley-Thomas’ involvement in the payment. Flynn’s plea agreement outlines these details.
Following Flynn’s notification that the payment had been cleared, Ridley-Thomas facilitated a meeting between Flynn and a high-level county official to push for the approval of an online mental health services contract. This contract would have improved the finances of Flynn’s school.
Flynn’s attorneys argued that her motivations were driven by a desire to help her school and those in need of mental health services, rather than personal greed. They emphasized her acceptance of responsibility and regret for losing her moral compass.
Ridley-Thomas, on the other hand, is facing potential prison time after being convicted of conspiracy, bribery, honest services mail fraud, and honest services wire fraud. Sentencing for him is scheduled for August 21.
Last month, the convictions against Ridley-Thomas were upheld by Judge Fischer, rejecting his attempt to have the verdicts vacated.
Ridley-Thomas was accused of favoring the USC social work school in exchange for the $100,000 contribution to his son’s organization. Jurors found dishonesty in Ridley-Thomas’ actions surrounding the transfer of funds.
Although Flynn expressed her embarrassment and regret in court, her attorney emphasized that she was motivated by the public good rather than personal gain. The defense argued that an expansion of the telehealth contract would have benefited the school, students, and the county as a whole.
The judge noted that Flynn had a personal interest in the success of the contract, as it would have raised money for the financially troubled school and preserved her position as dean.
The defense attorney also acknowledged the challenges faced by a dean in raising funds for the institution.
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