Former Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam was sentenced to 30 days in federal prison Thursday for using nearly $87,000 meant for a youth basketball program to spend on himself.
Gilliam also must serve 11 months of home confinement followed by three years' probation.
The term was a far departure from the 15 to 21 months the government argued Gilliam should face.
It was much closer to the defense's request for probation rather than incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Farrell told the judge the government strongly objected to the sentence, which not only took the range down three steps, but then gave the disgraced mayor even less time.
U.S. District Judge Joseph Rodriguez cited Gilliam's remorse, tragic history and repayment of about 62 percent of the restitution he owes in taking the sentencing range down three steps, putting Gilliam at a range of eight to 14 months.
Gilliam admitted to taking $86,790, and has paid back $53,790.01, including $41,335 that was taken from his home during a raid Dec. 3, 2018.
“I stand before this court a fractured human being,” Gilliam said in an emotional apology that followed more than two hours of supporters who lauded the good then knew, and talked of the former mayor’s deep remorse.
“I want this court to know that the mistake I made is not something I’m proud of,” Gilliam said. “I hurt people who loved me, people who depended on me. … I knew better.”
More than 200 letters were filed with the court on Gilliam’s behalf. Of those, 15 people addressed the judge, talking of a man who served his community and made its young people better.
Even two victims spoke on Gilliam’s behalf, Gina Dorn and Craig Dudley.
But their forgiveness does not erase Gilliam’s crimes, Farrell told the judge.
While serving as a city councilman, “he went around to members of the community and convinced donors under false pretenses” to contribute to the A.C. Starz basketball program and school supplies, Farrell said.
“He then took their money and he spent it on himself for fancy dinners, designer clothing and trips,” Farrell said. “This money was meant for the kids and they never benefited because Mr. Gilliam diverted it for his own selfish acts.”
In a tearful tribute to her husband, Shawna Gilliam called him confident, intelligent, consistent, humble and spiritual.
“He definitely overcame and has been through a lot of traumatic experiences,” she said, adding that his personal troubles were not hers to share publicly.
The one well-known tragedy was when his father murdered his mother when Gilliam was just 3.
“We prevail, regardless of anything else,” Shawna Gilliam then told her husband as the two appeared in different windows for the virtual hearing.
Former teachers, parents of students he coached and mentored and his close family lauded Gilliam.
“When an idol falls the ripple effects are disappointing to many,” the judge said.
After the sentencing, Rimm noted the strong support Gilliam had.
"I have been both a federal prosecutor and a defense lawyer, and, in my 25 years practicing law, I have never handled a matter in which so many appeals for leniency were submitted to the court on behalf of an individual like Mr. Gilliam," he said. "Clearly, Mr. Gilliam’s community believes that his one mistake should not outweigh all the good that he has done — and continues to do even during the pandemic — for his community."
Gilliam can never serve public office again, per an agreement he signed in November 2019.
