SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A former Chula Vista city councilwoman who admitted to stealing more than $200,000 from the federal and state governments appeared in San Diego Superior Court Wednesday afternoon to learn her fate.

Prosecutor Chandelle Boyce wanted to send Andrea Cardenas to six months behind bars because the city councilor faces higher demands as a politician.

But Pedro Bernal, the defense attorney, argued that other San Diego-area politicians who committed financial crimes had not served prison time and Cardenas had already lost her job.

After a nearly hour-long hearing, Judge Rachel Cano sentenced Cardenas to probation, 100 hours of community service and one day in jail, which she had already served.

“There is no justification. No excuse for the mistakes I made. And the voters who put their trust in me – I have let them down,” Cardenas told the judge.

Cardenas, once a rising political star in the South Bay, was at times moved as she told the judge that she also cares about her parents.

Cardenas pleaded guilty to two counts of grand larceny in February.

She was charged with fraudulently obtaining a $176,227 COVID relief loan for a political consulting firm along with her brother, Jesus. They also pleaded guilty to accepting more than $28,000 from the state Employment Development Department while they were both employed.

He also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years probation and 180 days in a work holiday program and house arrest.

During the hearing on Wednesday, it was revealed that her brother was the “mastermind” behind the fraud.

Andrea Cardenas, a Democrat, was accused of donating more than $33,000 to her campaign for Chula Vista City Council. She resigned from the city council shortly before pleading guilty.

Jesus Cardenas had resigned from his position as chief of staff of a San Diego city councilman. He was accused of paying $21,000 to American Express.

As part of their sentencing, the two must repay state and federal funds.

There could be further problems for the siblings; they are currently under government investigation for political ethics related to campaign funds.

City News Service contributed to this story.