A federal judge has sentenced former Alabama House Majority Leader Representative Micky Hammon to three months in prison for felony mail fraud.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson on Thursday rebuffed a prosecution recommendation for Hammon to spend no time behind bars.
Hammon, a Republican from Decatur, pleaded guilty last year to using campaign funds for personal expenses.
Hammon was also ordered to forfeit nearly $51,000 for reimbursement to victims who had donated to his campaign and could face being forced to forfeit more money.
Thompson said in sentencing Hammon that he wanted to send a message to other officials about the seriousness of the crime.
Hammon served in the legislature from 2002 until he was removed last year.
Prosecutors originally asked for three years of probation and a $40,000 forfeiture because Hammon cooperated.