PEORIA, Ill. – As expected, former Pere Marquette developers Gary Matthews and Monte Brannan have appealed their case after being convicted of fraud and money laundering.
The pair were convicted of transferring roughly $13.8 million from hotel revenues and diverting at least $1.6 million to themselves and their businesses.
U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced Matthews, who is 81, to three years and four months in prison. Brannan, who is 71, was sentenced to two years in prison.
Matthews was ordered to pay nearly $8.2 million restitution and Brannan must pay almost $4.8 million.
During the hearing, the defense made several objections, saying the jury was misled, there wasn’t sufficient evidence, and that the jury was exposed to bias from one witness. The judge denied most of the motions.
The defense also raised concerns about Matthews’ and Brannan’s health and ages, asking for home confinement instead of time behind bars.
The judge denied those concerns as well, saying the pair’s health could be properly cared for in prison.
In a statement to the judge, Brannan maintained his innocence, but said respects the jury’s decision.
In his statement, Matthews said he has had a long career of “unwavering dedication to the people and the city.”
Judge Darrow said both men lied and stole, even though they said they were just trying to do good by the city and the hotel.
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