Ex-East St. Louis official sentenced for official misconduct

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) - A former East St. Louis, Illinois administrator and City Council member was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months of probation and a $500 fine for public corruption.

June Olivette Hamilton was convicted last fall of forgery and public contractor misconduct. In addition to probation, the fine and 120 hours of community service, St. Clair County judge John O'Gara prohibited the 56-year-old Hamilton from any job in public administration for 10 years.

Before her sentencing, her defense attorney and prosecutors agreed to the merger of the two charges she was found guilty of and she be sentenced on the misconduct charge alone.

Hamilton was accused of writing a letter of reference and employment statement on behalf of an acquaintance who was trying to lease an apartment. The criminal complaint accused her of knowingly creating a false document with the intent to defraud.

Before being sentenced, Hamilton told the judge she used poor judgment, but never stole from the city. She added she looks forward to completing the terms of her probation, paying restitution and continuing her community service.