F
ormer Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Raymond Chan was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in a sprawling corruption case involving developers led by former Councilman José Huizar. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Court Judge John Walter, was part of the "Casino Loyale" pay-to-play scheme that saw Huizar take bribes from developers with projects in Downtown L.A.

    Chan, who served as general manager of the Department of Building and Safety, was convicted at retrial in March on a dozen federal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, bribery, and honest services fraud. Prosecutors said he solicited and accepted over $750,000 in bribe money for himself and facilitated more than $1 million in graft to Huizar.

    The sentence sends a message that government should not be for sale and those who undermine democracy through pay-to-play schemes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Chan's defense team had requested less than three years, but Judge Walter deemed 12 years necessary due to the severity of the corruption.

    Chan is set to begin serving his sentence on January 6 and must also pay $752,457 in restitution to the city. His co-defendant, former Councilman José Huizar, was sentenced to 13 years in prison earlier this year for his role in the bribery scheme.