A judge sentenced an Illinois state representative to six months of probation for misdemeanor tax fraud. WGN reportsLaShawn Ford will also have to pay a $1,000 fine and repay the IRS more than $3,000. Prosecutors dropped numerous felony counts against the Chicago Democrat.
La Shawn Ford was indicted on federal bank fraud charges less than a month after winning re-election in 2012. Those charges stemmed from information that Ford, a real estate entrepreneur, used to obtain a $500,000 line of credit. Authorities said Ford used the loan for personal expenses rather than to rehabilitate a property he owned.
In August 2014, all felony charges were dropped. Prosecutors agreed to let Ford plead guilty to a lone misdemeanor tax charge.