Former Democratic Lawmaker Sentenced for Accepting Bribes
Former Democrat Lawmaker Caught Taking BRIBES – He Will Pay!
(TheRedWire.com) – One of the worst things a politician can do is exchange their public trust for corrupt dollars. In Hawaii, one politician seemingly regrets his choice after receiving a sentence for the practice. In February, former Hawaii Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (D) pleaded guilty after admitting he accepted bribes totaling $18,000 from a business owner.
US District Judge Susan Oki Mollway sentenced English to 40 months in prison, three years of supervision after prison officials release him from jail, and a $100,000 fine. Federal prosecutors had asked the judge for 42 months.
Former Hawaii State Senator Sentenced To 40 Months For Taking Bribes https://t.co/tagY2DHsMb pic.twitter.com/iiuU6sebiD
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That sentence may not have sat well with defense attorney Richard Sing. He told the judge that after the arrest, the former state senate majority leader was truthful about his arrangements with the unidentified business owner and that he fully cooperated. He asked for only two years of prison time.
Sing said English is enduring long COVID. The defense attorney added that the former senator stepped down in 2021 due to memory loss, inability to sleep, a lack of energy, and breathing problems. Not persuaded, the judge ruled English’s sentence would start on August 16.
After the judge’s sentence, Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki (D) said the judge’s ruling should remind everyone involved in government that there is no tolerance for those who behave unethically or illegally.
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