Explaining that his “hands are tied” due to statutory minimum sentencing requirements, a Miami-Dade Judge has sentenced former County Commissioner Joe Martinez to 34.5 months in prison after he was convicted of using his office for personal profit.

Martinez, who was found guilty in November of improper compensation and conspiracy to commit the crime, will remain free on bond, pending an appeal.

Judge Miguel de la O expressed sympathy for Martinez, a 67-year-old former police officer for whom the Judge previously said he was inclined to hand down a sentence lighter than what the prosecution sought.

“I’m sorry it’s come to this,” de la O said Monday morning. “I feel like my hands are tied.”

The sentence, which amounts to roughly two years and 10.5 months, is for both criminal

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