Cindi Hutchinson, Ex-Ft. Lauderdale official, pleads guilty to corruption

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 months behind bars and pay a $1,500 fine.

As a commissioner, Hutchinson voted to rezone a house project developed by Steve Goldstrom. In return, prosecutors say Goldstrom arranged about $14,000 in 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 wants to put the matter behind her.