There will be no more jail time for Omar Bradley, who was convicted last month of misappropriating public funds during his time as Compton’s mayor. Bradley was sentenced to one year in county jail Wednesday, but given credit for time served. He will remain on probation for the next three years.
As a result of his conviction, Bradley is also barred from ever holding public office again. Just this past June, he lost his second race for mayor against incumbent mayor Aja Brown.
Bradley was convicted of misusing a city credit card between 1999 and 2001. Prosecutors say he used thousands in taxpayer funds for hotels, movies, dinners, rounds of golf, and cash advances. He was first convicted in 2004, but it was thrown out on a technicality.
The former mayor has been unrepentant, suggesting his race made him a target for prosecutors.
“[My family] was still under the illusion that poor folks and black folks can get justice in America,” he said.
The dogged pursuit of the case against him, he added, was a waste of time and money.
“In my opinion the justice system has gotten way off track — certainly with the money that’s been expended to make a point with me. Simply because I’m an outspoken African American who doesn’t bite his tongue. It could’ve been spent on some really important things.”
Kind of like the city’s credit card.