Former Philadelphia City Councilmember Bobby Henon was sentenced yesterday to 3½ years in prison following his 2021 bribery conviction.
Prosecutors had urged the judge to impose a sentence of roughly eight to 10 years, in line with federal sentencing guidelines. However, Henon’s attorney, Brian McMonagle, argued for a minimal prison term.
McMonagle noted that Henon was re-elected after he was indicted, and worked tirelessly for his constituents during the pandemic – some of whom came to court Wednesday in support.
“[The judge] looked at not only this case, but his life, and all the good that he did, and all the good that he has done actually since his conviction,” McMonagle said.
Motioning to the gallery packed with supporters, McMonagle commented that “…the people of the city came today, and they wanted the judge to know as he thought about the crime itself, he thought about the citizens before him.”
McMonagle continued that Henon, despite unfortunate choices, constantly stood up for the people he pledged to represent — union members, seniors, police and firefighters and the residents of his Northeast Philadelphia district.
Exiting the courtroom after the sentence, Henon thanked his friends, family, supporters and Brian McMonagle. “There is no better friend, legal acumen, and attorney in the city of Philadelphia,” he said.