A former El Cajon city leader, imprisoned for embezzling millions from a former employer, will get out of prison early according to a published report.
Former City Councilmember Jill Hanson-Cox admitted she stole $3.5 million from 2004 to 2008 when she worked as a controller for Century Design Inc. in Kearny Mesa. She spent the money on expensive clothing, airline tickets, spa treatments and Christmas gifts.
In December, Federal Court Judge Michael Anello sentenced Hanson-Cox to 30 months in a federal prison. She faced a maximum of more than 20 years in prison, and a $7 million fine.
Now the San Diego Union Tribune reports that authorities gave Hanson-Cox credit for good behavior and completing a drug program at the minimum-security camp in Arizona where she's been held.
Her new release date will be Sept. 17, 2014 according to the newspaper's report.
Hanson-Cox's attorney Charles Sevilla clarified the information saying his client may be released in the spring of next year.
While his client is not getting out early for good behavior, she is eligible to partake in a program for early release, Sevilla said.
Once she's released from prison, Hanson-Cox will likely be released to a halfway house according to her attorney.
Hanson-Cox was a two-term city councilmember and was serving as El Cajon's deputy mayor at the time.
