EVANSVILLE — Former Pigeon Township Trustee Mariama Wilson was sentenced to three years of probation Monday in federal court.
Wilson, 52, was accused last year of defrauding the township of $38,000 as part of an unlawful kickback scheme. This September, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As a part of the agreement, the government dismissed four other charges Wilson faced.
Judge Matthew Brookman handed down the sentence Monday afternoon, along with a restitution amount of $38,000. His sentence heavily weighed Wilson’s lack of criminal history, as well as her responsibility to her son and grandchild.
No one representing Pigeon Township was present at Monday’s sentencing and no victim impact letters were introduced.
Wilson speaks up in court
Wilson did exercise her right to address the court. She said she takes responsibility for her actions, but there were some fabrications in arguments presented by the prosecution.
“I’m not this monster they’ve made me out to be,” she said.
Wilson was elected as Pigeon Township Trustee in 2019 but resigned in June 2023 as her federal criminal case dragged on and the Indiana State Board of Accounts released a report examining alleged financial impropriety at the office under her leadership.
Miller argued for the prosecution that Wilson’s position as an elected official supported their request for a 10-month sentence in prison. Her actions impacted the community’s trust of local government, he said.
“The dollars (stolen) were meant to help the least fortunate among us,” Miller said.
How the scheme worked
In her plea agreement, Wilson admitted to conspiring with her subordinate, William Payne, and an unlicensed construction contractor, Terrance D. Hardiman, to inflate the cost of repairs made to township property.
Wilson also admitted she would collect $1,000 to $2,000 payments from these inflated invoices, which Hardiman would deliver to herself or Payne at the Dorothea MacGregor Family Shelter, located just across the street from the Pigeon Township Trustee’s office.
Hardiman’s sentence
Last month, Hardiman pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He received two six-month sentences that he’ll serve simultaneously.
According to court records, Hardiman filed a motion last week requesting to delay his report date to prison until after Christmas. He was set to report on Dec. 23 and requested to spend the holiday with his family. The judge granted his request. His sentence will now begin on Dec. 27.
Payne hearing is in January
Court records show Payne is set for a hearing Jan. 14, where he will plead guilty and be sentenced.
Miller argued it would be an “injustice” for Wilson to receive a smaller sentence than Hardiman, who was a smaller part of the scheme.
While the prosecution argued for a full 10 month prison sentence, the defense argued for probation.
Baldwin, an attorney with Voyles, Vaiana, Lukemeyer, Baldwin and Webb, argued Wilson’s lack of previous felony criminal convictions, continuous employment as an adult and remorse for the crime lend to probation satisfying the goal of sentencing.
Prior to Wilson’s sentencing Monday, multiple letters of support were filed in federal court from family members and friends. All asked for leniency in sentencing.
Baldwin stated Wilson continues to work to better herself, and is currently enrolled at Lancaster Bible College pursuing a degree in biblical studies. She is also primary support for a child and grandchild.
“Mariama is not someone that is a danger to the community. She is not likely to ever reoffend. She will never again be in a position that would present the opportunity to commit this type of offense again,” Baldwin states. “She is extremely remorseful for her actions and is deeply ashamed by the disgrace she has caused herself and her family.”
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Former Evansville township trustee sentenced in alleged kickback plot