A former Glendale mayor who also served as a councilman has been sentenced to one year imprisonment for allegedly embezzling approximately $300,000 from a local farmers market. The former mayor has also been asked to pay $305,000 in restitution and another $14,000 in back taxes.

This individual served as mayor in that community from 2008 to 2009. He served on the City Council from 2007 until 2011. He apparently pleaded guilty to perjury, filing a false return and embezzlement in March. He is now prohibited from ever again holding a public office and will be facing five years of probation after being released from prison.

We don't know what the circumstances were concerning this individual's life that led to him pleading guilty to certain of these charges. Individuals are placed under tremendous pressure when claims of misconduct are made. Though people hold responsible positions and are well-respected in the community, allegations such as this can cause one's life to go into a tailspin.

While many individuals charged with white-collar crimes may have held responsible positions and have worked hard to accumulate their finances, this money can quickly be lost as the criminal process takes place. Families of individuals charged will also suffer.

It's important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as allegations of misconduct have been made. It is important to understand all of one's legal options. Delay will only make one's circumstances even worse. If these allegations are not addressed one's reputation in the community can be destroyed and will make it even more difficult to remain in one's line of work in the future.

Source: Los Angeles Business Journal, "Former Mayor of Glendale Sentenced for Embezzlement," April 7, 2014