Former Santa Clara City Councilmember Anthony Becker is a free man. Four months after he was convicted of felony perjury, a judge has sentenced him to community service and probation with no jail time.
Becker will serve 40 non-consecutive days in the Sheriff's Work Program. His probation will last a period of two years.
In December, a jury convicted Becker of lying to the Civil Grand Jury after he leaked its draft report to the San Francisco 49ers. The report detailed the cozy relationship between the team and members of the council, who allegedly put the interests of the 49ers above their own constituents’. The leak allowed the team to prepare a public defense for the findings to mitigate any fallout.
“The 49ers bankrolled Becker’s political career,” the District Attorney’s Office said. “In total, the 49ers provided over $3 million through independent expenditure committees to benefit Becker’s successful 2020 city council campaign and his failed 2022 mayoral bid. Becker lost his bid for re-election in November 2024. His conviction prevents him from ever again holding elected office in California.”
Becker expressed remorse for his actions before the court. Judge Javier Alcala took his contrition into account during sentencing. Had he not apologized, Becker would have been sent to prison, the judge said.
“This sentence brings some accountability, but it also shines a harsh light on a deeper issue: a culture of political favoritism and special access that has no place in Santa Clara,” said Mayor Lisa Gillmor.