MIAMI (AP) - A former South Florida mayor convicted on corruption charges has been sentenced to 22 months in state prison.
A Miami-Dade County judge imposed the sentence Friday on former Homestead mayor Steven Bateman, who was convicted by a jury of illegal compensation and illegal lobbying charges. Bateman will remain free on bail while he pursues appeals.
Prosecutors say Bateman illegally took a $125-an-hour consulting job with a health company while using his position as mayor to gain necessary city and county permits for the company's proposed children's center in Homestead.
Bateman was suspended by Gov. Rick Scott after he was charged and unsuccessfully sought re-election. He was first elected in 2009.
Four other current or former mayors of cities in Miami-Dade County have recently faced corruption charges.
