Former Dem Lawmaker Dawson Gets 6 Months for Tax Evasion

Former Democratic state lawmaker Mandy Dawson was sentenced to six months in federal prison for tax evasion on Friday.

She must turn herself in by Oct. 5 to begin serving her term, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Dawson, 56, admitted in court documents that she abused cocaine once since her arrest last year, the Sentinel reported. A urine sample she submitted to federal probation officials tested positive for cocaine earlier this year and she admitted to a lengthy history of abusing alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs during her political career.

Dawson, who spent 16 years in the Legislature representing South Florida, failed to file tax returns in 2004 and 2005, while representing South Florida.

She was arrested a year ago as part of a federal corruption investigation into the arrest of Hollywood eye doctor and political fundraiser Alan Mendelsohn.