By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-898661.mp3
Dallas, TX – Former Dallas Representative Terri Hodge will spend in year in prison for breaking tax laws. She's the latest to be sentenced in the Dallas City Hall corruption case. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports.
Hodge could have received probation - a best case scenario - or up to 3 years in prison. Her attorney, Jeff Kearney, argued for the former, but the judge wasn't buying it. Kearney said Hodge will serve her time.
Kearney: Ms. Hodge is going to do what the judge ordered her to do, return to the community as soon as she can, and continue to work for the good of citizens here in any capacity she can do.
In front of the judge, Hodge tearfully apologized to supporters and constituents in District 100, which she represented for 14 years. Judge Barbara Lynn said she was impressed by many letters praising Hodge. But the case wasn't about unpaid taxes. It was about accepting money and benefits from developers with business before the Legislature, where Hodge served. "I won't ignore the facts before me," said the Judge. "I'm not na ve."
Former Dallas legislator Harryette Earhardt disagreed with the sentence.
Harryette Earhardt: I respect the judge and believe she did what she felt was right thing. Do I think it was right? No.
Earhardt calls Hodge a friend whom she just does not see as a criminal. Earhardt knows Hodge as a long time public servant with an expertise in helping those in jail, and comforting families of those who are incarcerated.
Earhardt: She has more knowledge of the prison system than almost anyone. This will just be added to Terri's knowledge.
Earhardt hopes to set up an office for Hodge upon her release, so she can help others in jail. Hodge starts her sentence June 22nd.