Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway sentenced to 56 months in federal prison

A federal judge on Friday sentenced former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway to 56 months in prison for his role in a corruption case that shook City Hall and took down an agency responsible for the transportation and safety of schoolchildren.

The sentence marked the tragic conclusion of Caraway's lengthy city government career, which began after several failed council runs, included a stint as acting mayor and ended with his guilty plea in August for accepting about $450,000 in bribes and kickbacks between 2011 and 2017.

During the hearing Friday, U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn often referred to the positive work Caraway had done. But, she said, all the good things he accomplished were erased the moment he became "just another bought and paid-for politician."

Lynn made clear immediately that she was prepared to order Caraway into custody immediately. Caraway was prepared as well: Before he came to court, he gave his 90-year-old mother, who suffers from dementia, a long farewell hug and told her he was off begin "a new job." He even brought his breathing machine to court.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/dallas-city-hall/2019/04/05/former-dallas-mayor-pro-tem-dwaine-caraway-awaiting-federal-sentencing-corruption