Paul Richards (politician)


Paul Richards is an American politician who is a former mayor of Lynwood, California. He was sentenced to federal prison in 2006 on federal bribery and kickback charges.

Education

Born in California, Richards attended Compton High School, where he was ASB President. He also served an internship with the Model Cities Program. He attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, earning his bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration with honors. By age 21, Richards had earned a master's degree in Public Administration with emphases in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Southern California. Richards received his doctorate from the UCLA School of Law where he was honored as a Chancellor Marshall of his graduating Class. He was then admitted to practice law in California.

Public service

After earning his degree, Richards went to work for the City of Carson, California where he administered a crime prevention program. He later organized the Career Development Institute, which assisted over 2000 youth prepare for professional careers. After completing law school, Richards took a position at the City of Compton, California as an executive level administrator and special legal counsel. Richards drafted the Developer Relations Guidelines that helped to resolve issues within the City and its Redevelopment Agency. In 1995, Richards left Compton.
In 1986, Richards was elected mayor of Lynwood, becoming California's youngest mayor. He would be reelected seven consecutive times.

Honorary offices

Richards was voted out of office in Lynwood in a recall election in October 2003. On March 20, 2006, Richards was sentenced to 16 years in prison. This is the longest sentence in history for a political corruption case. He filed an appeal after being sentenced; however, the conviction was upheld.

Certificates