Mark Ridley-Thomas, a prominent politician in Los Angeles County, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for voting in favor of county contracts that would benefit USC while accepting benefits for his son from the university. U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer stated that Ridley-Thomas’s crimes have victimized the entire community. The judge also noted that Ridley-Thomas has shown no remorse and has not taken responsibility for his actions.
In addition to the prison sentence, Ridley-Thomas has been ordered to serve three years on supervised release and pay an assessment and fines of $30,700. During the sentencing hearing, Ridley-Thomas maintained his innocence but apologized to his family and constituents for the situation he put them in. He has been instructed to report to prison on November 13.
Prosecutors had requested a six-year prison sentence for Ridley-Thomas, describing his actions as a “shakedown” that undermines the integrity of the democratic system. Defense attorneys, on the other hand, argued for home confinement, community service, and a fine as an alternative to prison time. However, if incarceration is necessary, they requested a maximum of two years and three months.
Ridley-Thomas, aged 68, was convicted on multiple counts including conspiracy, bribery, and fraud related to his time on the county Board of Supervisors. Jurors acquitted him of several fraud charges. His co-defendant, Marilyn Flynn, the former dean of the social work school at USC, was sentenced to 18 months of home confinement and ordered to pay a $150,000 fine.
Bernard Parks, a retired Los Angeles Police Department chief and former councilman who ran against Ridley-Thomas in the 2008 election, expressed disappointment with the prosecution’s recommendation and urged the judge to impose the highest penalty possible. Parks emphasized that Ridley-Thomas misled his colleagues and undermined their integrity.
Prosecutors argued that Ridley-Thomas demanded favors from Flynn in exchange for Los Angeles County business. They presented evidence of emails and letters showing his misuse of his elected office for personal gain. Ridley-Thomas’s defense attorneys, however, maintain that he did not commit any crimes and called for probation and home confinement, highlighting the impact his convictions have already had on his reputation and future prospects.
Ridley-Thomas has a long history in public office, serving on the Los Angeles City Council, the Assembly, the state Senate, and the county Board of Supervisors. He was suspended from the City Council following the federal indictment and has since been replaced by Heather Hutt.
His attorneys are currently appealing the conviction.
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