an interim basis by Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson and then replaced permanently by retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Division Chief Sandra Hutchens as the county's 12th sheriff. Conviction On January 16, 2009, a federal jury convicted Carona of a single count of witness tampering and acquitted him of charges of mail fraud, conspiracy, and another count of witness tampering. He could have faced up to twenty years in prison. On April 27, 2009 Carona was sentenced to 66 months in prison. Pension In July 2010, it was revealed that Carona received over $215,000 in pension checks the previous year, despite his felony conviction. Carona became eligible for his pension at age 50. A 2005 state law denies a public pension to public officials convicted of wrongdoing in office. However, that law only applies to benefits accrued after December 2005. Carona is also entitled, by law, to medical and dental benefits. Incarceration He served five years and six months. Carona's "actual or projected" release date was November 8, 2015. On May 14, 2015, The Orange County Register reported that Carona was released from prison, earlier than expected. References External links OC Weekly article, "They Got the Sheriff", November 1, 2007 OC Register article, "Carona says he'll be vindicated: 'I know the truth'", January 14, 2008 California sheriffs American people convicted of bribery American police officers convicted of crimes American prisoners and detainees 1955 births Living people Police officers convicted of accepting bribes Prisoners and detainees of the United States federal government American people of Italian descent California State Polytechnic University, Pomona alumni Mt. San Antonio College alumni People from Santa Monica, California University of Redlands alumni Mensans California politicians convicted of crimes People acquitted of fraud