Ex-Ft. Lauderdale official guilty of corruption

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- A former Fort Lauderdale city commissioner has pleaded guilty to corruption charges stemming from home repairs arranged by a developer whose projects she supported.

Cindi Hutchinson pleaded guilty Monday to unlawful compensation and official misconduct charges. Under a plea deal with prosecutors, the 56-year-old Hutchinson will serve four years in prison beginning April 15.

As a commissioner, Hutchinson voted to rezone a house project developed by Steve Goldstrom. In return, prosecutors say Goldstrom arranged free home repairs for Hutchinson including air conditioning repair, fence installation and a pool sound system.

Hutchinson left office in 2009 because of term limits. The Miami Herald reports that Hutchinson's attorney said she simply wants to put the matter behind her.

Goldstrom's attorney says he is also negotiating a plea deal.

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