NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Ira Thomas could have spent five years in jail.  Instead, the judge in his federal corruption case said she looked at his life’s work and handed down a 12 months and one day sentence.

“No one is above the law.  I’m certainly not,” Thomas told the judge during Wednesday’s sentencing hearing.  “There is never a right time to do the wrong thing.”

Thomas went on to apologize to anyone he hurt, disappointed, or offended, including his friends, family, church members and constituents.

Prosecutor Sean Toomey also praised Thomas during the sentencing hearing, saying that the plea agreement saved taxpayer money as well as city and school board embarrassment.

“I don’t think this event makes a man,” Toomey told the judge regarding Thomas’ conviction.

Judge Susie Morgan made it clear that Thomas violated the public’s trust for his part in a $5,000 bribery scheme involving a janitorial contract with the Orleans Parish School Board.  Thomas was an elected member of the board, even serving for a time as board president.  He was also the police chief at SUNO and ran unsuccessfully for sheriff.  Along with his 366 day prison sentence, Thomas will pay a $4,000 fine.

Last May, Thomas reached a plea deal with prosecutors in the case.  He will report for prison on November 30.  Morgan told Thomas that she is also recommending that he serve the sentence at a minimum security facility.  The exact location will be determined later.

During Wednesday’s sentencing, Judge Morgan said she took into account Thomas’ upbringing, being one of 13 children raised by his parents in the Desire Housing Development.  Also part of the judge’s downward departure from sentencing guidelines was Thomas’ work as a police office, having saved the lives of at least two people, and his current obligation as caregiver for his disabled, 89-year-old father.