A former executive at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority has been sentenced to two years in prison.
MORE: Airport Executive Pleads Guilty In Fraud Case
John T. Howard pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering, bribery, and fraud back in 2015.
On Monday morning, he was sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year supervised release.
Howard was also ordered to pay more than $1.4 million in restitution.
He faced up to 57-71 months in prison, per government guidelines.
Howard, an assistant vice president, worked for the Metro-Nashville Airport Authority and was in charge of non-aviation properties like the well-known International Plaza building.
He issued an apology statement last year, saying he "made terrible decisions."
Tim Rucker, of Smyrna, was charged in connection with the case earlier this month. He's been accused of conspiring with Howard to commit money laundering and wire fraud.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Rucker submitted false invoices to the airport authority for work he had not done. He also allegedly provided the majority of the cash derived from these invoices to John Howard.
The case remained under investigation.
Lonnell Matthews, with the Mayor's office, sent a letter letter to the judge seeking leniency for John Howard. Press Secretary, Sean Braisted, sent NewsChannel 5 this statement regarding the letter.
“Mayor Barry believes public servants and elected officials should be held to the highest of ethical standards. She did not approve the letter in question and did not request or seek leniency for Mr. Howard.
“Mr. Matthews has apologized for sending the request in his capacity as a member of the Mayor’s Office, and staff members have been informed that it is against our Office policy to make similar requests in their official capacity.”
