MILWAUKEE- Former Milwaukee Alderwoman Chantia Lewis will spend the next 30 days in jail and an additional three years probation following her sentencing hearing on felony misconduct charges Thursday morning.
Lewis was accused by prosecutors of misusing roughly $20,000 in campaign funds for things like private travel, fast food, and rent during a four year period between 2016 and 2020.
Lewis was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council in 2016 and served the city’s 9th district until her removal from office last month. She won reelection in 2020. During her time on the Council she also tested the waters in the Democratic race for the US Senate.
A criminal complaint filed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office said she used more than $21,000 to fund family trips, car payments, credit card bills and engaged in ‘double dipping’ by falsely filing travel expense reports with the city.
During her sentencing she apologized for her actions and said her actions “were without malice”.
There are currently four seats vacant on the 15-member Common Council. In addition to Lewis’ 9th district, seats are also open in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Districts.
