Ex-Deerfield Beach Commissioner Sentenced To Jail
FORT LAUDERDALE - (CBSMiami.com) - After being convicted on three campaign finance-related corruption charges, former Deerfield Beach Commissioner Steve Gonot will spend the next 364 days in jail and serve five years probation.
Gonot's bond was set at $15,000 while he appeals the decision.
Besides jail and probation, Gonot must also complete 500 hours community service.
Gonot was convicted in May of felony grand theft and misconduct. Each charge carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. A third charge, falsifying records, is a misdemeanor which has a penalty of up to one year in the Broward County jail.
Gonot unlawfully used more than used $5,135 in campaign money for his personal use. Gonot allegedly wrote the check to a long-time friend for "supplies and equipment reimbursement" for his campaign. Investigators found that no such equipment existed by the time Gonot falsely listed the transaction on his campaign treasurer's report.
Gonot had been free on bail since his conviction but was ordered to surrender his passport.
Gonot served on the Deerfield Beach Commission from 2001 until he resigned in 2008 after being charged with the crimes.
