A former U.S. Army staff sergeant who admitted taking bribes in Iraq has been sentenced to five months in federal prison and five months of home confinement.
Judge Sandy Mattice also directed that Richard A. Gilliland repay the federal government $27,200.
His attorney, Myrlene Marsa, had asked that Gilliland not be sentenced to jail time, citing his more than 20 years of military service and the need for him to continue to support his wife and her mother and child. She said without his support they would likely lose their home.
Attorney Marsa said the money was wired home to Gilliland's wife at the time. She said she could potentially face prosecution.
Judge Mattice said there needed to be some jail time due to the seriousness of the offense.
Authorities said Gilliland accepted money for non-working generators. Judge Mattice said the government later concluded that the generators were worthless and that the government was done a favor by not having to dispose of them.
Gilliland served terms of 13 months and 15 months in Iraq.
Prosecutor John MacCoon said he had provided information that has led to one conviction and to prosecution of a second individual.
Gilliland faced 15-21 months in prison. He was given credit for his cooperation that lowered the range to 10-16 months.