ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now) -- Former Prince George's At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin will spend a year in jail. He learned his fate late Wednesday afternoon in front of Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Mark Crooks. Franklin pleaded guilty in August to perjury and the misuse of more than $100,000 from his campaign fund for his personal needs -- including trips, cosmetic procedures, personal loans, and shopping. Longtime, former Prince George’s County councilmember charged with embezzlement, theft, officials say Franklin resigned from his seat on June 14, 2024, halfway into his fourth term on the council. Judge Marks said before the sentence that what concerned him most was a second DUI charge Franklin received which basically made avoiding jail time impossible. Franklin must undergo substance abuse counseling for alcohol and mental health counseling while in jail. He also received three years probation and must repay just over $133,000 in restitution. He begins his sentence on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving.