Former Water Works Board Chair Released, Sentenced To Probation

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Former Birmingham Water Works Board chairperson Sherry Lewis will be released from jail today, and has been sentenced to 36 months probation, 400 hours of community service, court costs and fines for ethics violations, according to a report from ABC 33/40.

Lewis was convicted in October of using her position for personal gain, or for the gain of a family member, and voting on matters in which she or her family members had financial interest — including a no-show job for a family member, free meals and other improper benefits. She faced up to 20 years in prison for the crimes.

Lewis was allowed to remain on the board up until her conviction Oct. 30.

Lewis reportedly received support from several members of the community in the form of more than 60 letters to the judge on her behalf, according to the ABC 33/40 report.

Lewis' sentencing comes just weeks after the board revealed in a public forum it is $986 million in debt, and voted to raise water and sewer rates by 3.9 percent to offset the debt.