Los Angeles politician Mark Ridley Thomas, aged 68, has been handed a three-year-and-six-month prison term as part of his conviction on corruption charges. He has been directed to surrender himself to law enforcement on November 13, following his trial for advocating county contracts that favored the University of Southern California (USC) and thereby benefiting his son. This sentencing comes subsequent to his suspension from the city council.
Ridley Thomas has been mandated to pay a $30,000 fine alongside his prison term, facing a total of 42 months in federal prison. He was found guilty on charges including bribery, conspiracy, honest services mail fraud, and four counts of honest services wire fraud. These charges stem from his tenure on the county’s Board of Supervisors.
In a heartfelt statement, Ridley Thomas expressed regret over the impact his actions have had on his family, specifically his wife of 44 years and other loved ones. He offered apologies to his sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and family members who have been adversely affected by the consequences of his choices.
Despite the gravity of his situation, Ridley Thomas conveyed his determination to emerge from this experience as a more conscientious individual. He pledged to move forward with humility, renewed commitment to service, and unwavering hope for a meaningful life dedicated to his communities.
The case revolves around Ridley Thomas’ collaboration with Marilyn Louise Flynn, the former dean of the USC School of Social Work. The politician’s son resigned from the California State Assembly in December 2017 amidst an undisclosed sexual harassment investigation, a fact unknown to USC. Employing legal and public relations strategies, Ridley Thomas portrayed the resignation as health-related to divert attention from the investigation.
NEW: former LA County Supervisor and City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas declined to comment as he arrived at the federal courthouse for his sentencing. A jury convicted MRT of 7 felonies including bribery and conspiracy in a scheme involving USC. @SpecNews1SoCal pic.twitter.com/4Fs4OiYCd7
— Kate Cagle (@KateCagle) August 28, 2023
According to the Department of Justice’s summary of the case, Ridley Thomas conspired with Flynn to secure benefits for his son, including advanced degrees, prestigious titles, and employment opportunities to address personal debts. Flynn’s assistance extended to securing his son’s admission to graduate school with a full-time scholarship and a paid profession.
The sentencing underscores the severe consequences of corruption within the political landscape, serving as a reminder of the need for ethical governance and accountability.
