Prosecutors are set to request that a federal judge sentence Mark Ridley-Thomas, a prominent politician in Los Angeles County, to six years in prison. This comes after Ridley-Thomas was convicted of voting in favor of county contracts that would benefit USC while receiving benefits for his son from the university. In their sentencing papers, prosecutors describe the actions as a polite and pervasive shakedown, undermining the integrity of our democratic system and the perception of consequences for offenders.
Currently, Ridley-Thomas’ defense attorneys are seeking a sentence of home confinement, community service, and a fine. However, if prison time is deemed necessary, they propose a maximum of two years and three months.
Ridley-Thomas, who is 68 years old, was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy, bribery, and mail and wire fraud, stemming from his time on the county Board of Supervisors. Jurors acquitted him of certain fraud counts. Alongside the prison sentence, federal prosecutors recommend a three-year supervised release and a $30,000 fine.
In defense papers, Ridley-Thomas’ attorneys argue for a probationary sentence similar to the penalty given to his co-defendant, Marilyn Flynn. Flynn, an 84-year-old former dean at USC, pleaded guilty to bribing Ridley-Thomas and received 18 months of home confinement and a $150,000 fine.
The final decision rests with Judge Dale S. Fischer. In a letter to the court, Bernard Parks, a retired Los Angeles Police Department chief and former councilman who ran against Ridley-Thomas in 2008, criticizes the prosecution’s recommendation for being too lenient. Parks highlights how Ridley-Thomas misled his colleagues by soliciting their support without disclosing his corrupt behavior, potentially tarnishing their reputation as well.
Parks urges the judge to impose the highest possible penalty, noting Ridley-Thomas’ failure to accept responsibility, show remorse, and his attempts to use his race to undermine the public’s faith in the judicial process.
According to the prosecution, Ridley-Thomas engaged in a corrupt scheme with Flynn, demanding support for his son and his own personal benefits in exchange for Los Angeles County business. Flynn worked extensively to fulfill these demands to preserve lucrative contracts and obtain other advantages for Ridley-Thomas and his son.
Ridley-Thomas maintains his innocence, choosing not to testify during the trial. Federal prosecutors built their case on a wealth of emails and letters that demonstrated Ridley-Thomas using his position for personal gain and seeking benefits for his son.
The defense argues against incarceration, emphasizing Ridley-Thomas’ decades-long public service, his reputation for ethical community empowerment, and the already significant punishment of his convictions. They highlight the loss of his city council position and the potential loss of his pension, portraying his advanced age and uncertain financial future as sufficient deterrents.
Ridley-Thomas served on the Los Angeles City Council, the Assembly, and the state Senate before joining the county Board of Supervisors. He was suspended from the City Council following the federal indictment in October 2021. Attorneys for Ridley-Thomas are currently appealing the conviction.
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