By Ashanti Lee Seabron
(DETROIT) On Monday, former Detroit City Councilmember Gabe Leland was sentenced to 2.5 years probation after pleading guilty to a state misconduct in office charge, The Detroit News reports.
Appearing in court virtually, Leland, 38, was handed the sentence from Wayne County Circuit Judge Gregory Bill.
Leland also admitted he had "crossed a line" after pleading guilty last month to misconduct in office and resigning from the DCC.
Leland's attorney, Steve Fishman, argued that his client should receive only a one-year non-reporting probation, but Bill thought otherwise.
Despite the longer probationary term, Bill chose not to add a fine to Leland's sentence.
“The court has been convinced to go along with this fair disposition, and in light of your resignation from the Detroit City Council, you’re not in a position to breach the trust of the people,” Bill said. “So I don’t see any need for a fine, that’s not part of the agreement anyway.”
In 2018, Leland, who represented Detroit's 7th district, was indicted by a federal grand jury after being caught on an FBI wire soliciting $15,000 for campaign contributions in cash alongside free repairs on his vehicle from a local business owner.
During Leland's virtual court appearance, he apologized for his actions and vowed to be better moving forward.
“In my career, I have my whole life ahead of me, but I do look forward to continue to help this great city in my future endeavors,” Leland said.
If Leland violates the terms of his 2.5-year probationary period, he could potentially face five years in prison.