DALLAS—A former Dallas City Council member has chosen to serve a month in prison over apologizing and admitting publicly that he embezzled public funds.

The ultimatum came from a federal judge last Wednesday’s sentencing hearing of James Fantroy Sr. after his February conviction. He was found guilty of stealing more than $20,000 in government grand money from a Paul Quinn College community development fund.

Fantroy’s attorney, David Pire, tells Fort Worth-Dallas television station KTVT on Monday that his client will begin serving his sentence on June 27th.