OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Former Opa-locka city manager David Chiverton was sentenced Monday to 38 months in federal prison.
Chiverton apologized during the sentencing hearing, and said that he was humiliated to be in the position that he is in.
Chiverton resigned months ago from his job as Opa-locka city manager amid a federal investigation into a bribery and extortion ring at city hall.
He pleaded guilty in September to extortion and bribery charges.
Chiverton is one of several Opa-locka officials who prosecutors said took thousands of dollars in bribes from businesses or individuals in exchange for favors including zoning changes, code enforcement actions, utility services, licensing and permits.
Authorities said some of the cash changed hands in Chiverton's office on city property.
Prosecutors said Chiverton's co-conspirators included an elected official and the former public works director.
Chiverton faced a maximum penalty of five years behind bars, a $250,000 fine, probation and restitution.
Chiverton will be on supervised release for three years after his prison term. He has 90 days to surrender.
"I've already admitted to my faults and this is the process that I have to go through," Chiverton said. "I accept it and I'm going to be able to move forward and get back to some normalcy of life."
Within the 90-day period before he has to surrender to authorities, the U.S. district attorney has the option to come back to the court and request that Chiverton's sentence be reduced, assuming that he continues to cooperate with authorities and help with their investigation.