Ex-Bachmann aide sentenced to community service in deal

An ex-aide to U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was sentenced to 32 hours of community service Monday for his alleged role in several thefts. Javier Sanchez reached a deferred prosecution with the government, pleading not guilty to the misdemeanor theft charge and agreeing to complete the community service by Dec. 19, The Hill reported. A judge with the Superior Court for the District of Columbia sentenced the 37-year-old Sanchez, who did not comment. If Sanchez is arrested or does not complete the community service by the deadline, the government can prosecute him further, The Hill said. Capitol Police announced Sanchez's arrest in July. After Bachmann's staff reported two thefts earlier this year, police placed a surveillance camera at the desk of Bachmann's chief of staff as part of a sting operation, an affidavit said. Police put two envelopes with $200 total in a desk drawer and caught on video a man stealing the money. the court document said. Bachmann's staff reportedly identified the man as Sanchez, but he denied stealing the money. The Hill said the maximum sentence Sanchez could have received was 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if there were no deal.