Former Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas receives 42-month prison sentence

Former Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley-Thomas has been sentenced to 42 months in prison by a federal judge for his involvement in a corruption scheme. Ridley-Thomas, who was convicted of seven felonies including bribery and conspiracy, had requested probation instead of prison time. The judge, however, emphasized the seriousness of public corruption and the need for consequences. Ridley-Thomas was fined $30,000 and will be subject to three years of supervised release. The conviction marks a significant downfall for a once-prominent figure in local politics known for advocating for civil rights and racial equity.