A federal judge has sentenced Illinois state Rep. LaShawn Ford to probation and a fine for shortchanging the Internal Revenue Service of nearly $3,800.
Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer called Ford “careless”and said he made a “mistake.” But Pallmeyer also praised him for his service to the community. Ford was re-elected Tuesday.
Prosecutors agreed to let Ford plead guilty to a lone misdemeanor tax charge. In return, they dropped nearly 20 felony bank-fraud charges On Friday, the judge gave Ford six months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 100 hours of community service.
He also must pay the IRS the $3,782, which his attorney said he would do immediately.