In a dramatic end to Cathe Wilson’s perjury and bribery case, the Superior Court Judge sentenced the former Temple City Mayor to 4 years in state prison.
Drama in the Courtroom: Former Mayor Cathe Wilson Collapses upon Hearing Sentence
By Terry Miller
Former Temple City mayor Cathe Wilson was sentenced Thursday to four years in state prison on bribery and perjury charges , closing the books on a dramatic couple of years in Temple City history
But prosecutors depicted Wilson as a ringleader in the city’s largest corruption case and said she should not be spared prison.
Deputy DA Sean Hassett asked the court for four years and restitution.
“I don’t know how else to describe it except callous greed,” Superior Court Judge Alex Ricciardulli said during the sentencing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. “She torpedoed a $75 million project that would have greatly benefited the residents of Temple City.”
Wilson’s attorney then said he felt that probation was by far the best option for his client.
A visibly nervous , frightened and shaking Wilson, 78, wiped tears from her eyes as Ricciardulli read the sentence.
Wilson then screamed and the courtroom became suddenly silent. The convicted former mayor yelled “No”…. “I can’t breathe”, and slumped back in her chair appearing to pass out. The Judge removed himself from the courtroom.
Sheriff’s deputies immediately cleared the courtroom to attend to Wilson’s medical condition.. Wilson was taken by ambulance accompanied by sheriff’s deputies to county hospital. Reports of a stroke have not been confirmed.
Wilson was also ordered to pay more than $10,000 in restitution to developer Randy Wang.
“On her behalf I apologize to the residents,” Wilson’s attorney told the court.
Assistant DA Sean Hassett said he felt the sentence appropriate after weighing all the evidence
On May 2, Wilson was convicted of receiving about $10,000 in cash and other bribes from Jay Liyanage in 2005-06 and subsequently lying about it.
