Defense attorneys are asking for a term of home confinement, community service and a fine, but no prison time.
However, if incarceration is required, they request no more than two years and three months, court papers show.
In defense papers, Ridley-Thomas' attorneys argued for a probationary sentence along the lines of the penalty handed to his co-defendant, Marilyn Flynn. According to Parks, "what was missed in the sentencing recommendation was how Mr. Ridley-Thomas' colleagues were also victimized by his crimes. He misled his colleagues by soliciting their voting support, while failing to advise them of his corrupt behavior. By doing this, he led them to the brink of corruption, which cast doubt on their honesty, integrity and opened the door for their constituents to believe they were involved in his schemes.
Prosecutors say Flynn got the message: "Aware that lucrative County contracts and an amendment to the existing Telehealth contract hung in the balance, Flynn worked tirelessly, for over a year, to deliver seemingly any benefit and perk at her disposal to please defendant and his son." Evidence showed that $100,000 from Ridley-Thomas' campaign committee account was quietly funneled through USC to a nonprofit his son Sebastian was spearheading called the Policy, Research & Practice. Prosecutors said Flynn arranged the transfer to please Ridley-Thomas.
"He has been in the public eye for decades," his lawyers wrote. "His reputation was built on ethical community empowerment. The shame of his convictions is punishment and provides ample specific deterrence.
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