Former Los Angeles County Undersheriff and current Gardena Mayor Paul Tanaka was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Tanaka had been found guilty of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice back in April. His sentence also includes two years of supervised release and a $7,500 fine.
A 2010 investigation involving allegations of abuse and corruption at Men's Central Jail led to the charges not only for Tanaka, but also for former Sheriff Lee Baca. In total 21 people form the sheriff’s department have been convicted for crimes relating to this investigation.
According to ABC 7, U.S. Attorney Eileen Decker had some choice words following the sentence.
"His actions harmed the sheriff's department, harmed law enforcement everywhere and the good men and women who strive every day to uphold their oaths and serve justice," she said. "The sentence today demonstrated that, indeed, no one is above the law."
So what’s next for Tanaka?
Well, after 11 years as Gardena mayor, that term will be cut short.
As the Daily Breeze reports, the City Council has 60 days to either call for a special election or appoint a new mayor to finish the remaining nine months of Tanaka’s term.
Read more about the sentencing at ABC 7 and the Daily Breeze.