Principal sentenced to 15 months in prison in school corruption case

DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit principal who took bribes from a contractor has quickly paid $84,000 to the school district, a step that is leading to a shorter prison sentence.

Stanley Johnson was sentenced Monday to 15 months in prison. Federal Judge George Caram Steeh told him that “actions speak louder than words,” a reference to the payment.

Prosecutors were recommending at least two years in prison for Johnson.

The government says bogus invoices were submitted for paper and other supplies. In exchange, principals received gift cards, cash and checks from contractor Norman Shy. He was sentenced to five years in prison last week.

The government says the scheme cost the district nearly $3 million. Twelve principals and an administrator have been charged with Shy.