Robles sentenced to 10 years

According to the federal indictment, Robles demanded that firms seeking to work with the city hire an associate as a consultant. This person allegedly funneled money back to the treasurer and his associates. Prosecutors said Robles, his family members and friends spent the money on such things as a beach condo in Baja California in his mother's name and a "platinum membership" in a motivational behavior group run by self-help guru Tony Robbins. The group later returned that money to South Gate.

Robles was convicted last year.

During Robles' reign, one rival councilman was shot, Robles was accused of threatening to kill political opponents and the city neared bankruptcy. Robles and three council allies were booted out of office in a 2003 recall election.

"I am ecstatic," said Virginia Johnson, a 32-year resident of South Gate who sat through most of Robles' trial and hearings. "I just can't stand Albert. He took something from me."

"And from the city," added Jean Heinl, a resident of South Gate since 1958.

Henry Gonzalez, 71, a longtime foe of Robles, hailed the sentence as long in coming. In 1999, Gonzalez was shot in the head in South Gate by an unknown assailant.

"I think the worst period in the history of the city is now behind us," Gonzalez said. "I've already gotten a lot of calls. People are happy, they're glad it's over. There was a lot of anticipation, believe me."

Gonzalez credited The Times' coverage of the Robles administration with focusing attention on what was going on in the city. "I used to tell people, and they wouldn't believe it," he said.

Councilman Bill DeWitt, 65, said he hoped the sentence would be a wake-up call about the consequences of public corruption.

Robles' sentencing was much anticipated in South Gate and other southeast Los Angeles County cities.

He was convicted in July 2005, but his sentencing was more than a year in coming.

But once he took the podium Tuesday to address the judge, the baby-faced Robles displayed his panache with words.

He made references to discussing city business with associates in steam rooms, where sexual activities occurred "because that's what happens at the masseuse."

And with moist eyes, he turned and apologized to a woman in the gallery for having told her husband he was fired, and for having called her an expletive -- using the expletive.