"Ex-LA Councilman Huizar Receives 13-Year Prison Sentence for Corruption"
Former Los Angeles City Councilman José Huizar was sentenced to 13 years in prison for a corruption scheme involving at least $1.5 million in cash and benefits in exchange for help in approving downtown LA real estate projects. Huizar pleaded guilty to federal counts of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and tax evasion. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the City of Los Angeles and the IRS. The judge described Huizar's actions as a corruption scheme and a betrayal of public trust. Huizar apologized before being sentenced and reflected on his time in office, while prosecutors called it one of the most prolific RICO cases in Los Angeles history.