HONOLULU (KHON2) — A nearly 10-year saga ends in Honolulu’s long-running public corruption scandal.

Three former top city officials faced sentencing today after accepting a plea deal in their roles in a secretive $250,000 payout to disgraced former Police Chief Louis Kealoha.

Former Honolulu Corporation Counsel Donna Leong, former Police Commission Chair Max Sword and former City Managing Director Roy Amemiya arrived at federal court this morning, bringing an end to a long-running public corruption scandal.

Their attorneys say the case started three years ago with the city’s best interest in mind.

“There was no greed, no self-interest, no self-benefit to any of them. By doing this, they were just trying to do their job,” said attorney Tommy Otake.

The trio originally pled not guilty to conspiracy charges that accused them of orchestrating a $250,000 payout to former HPD Chief Kealoha that would bypass city council approval. Kealoha was later convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi called their actions an “abuse of trust and power” and said the plea agreements were “just punishment and serves as an adequate deterrence to others.”

Leong and Sword today agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution and serve one year of supervised release. Amemiya agreed to a rarely-used deferred prosecution agreement– his charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed, if he stays out of trouble. He also will pay $50,000 in restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.

Outside the courtroom, the three took no questions but made prepared statements.

Sword said he was pained to accept the plea agreement but wanted to rest the case and move forward.

“I was wrong to sacrificing transparency for expediency. The process of agreeing to the separation agreement should have played out in the light of day, regardless of how long it might have taken. Furthermore, I did not want to put my family through the agony of a lengthy trial,” Sword said.

The former police commission chair also encouraged others to continue to volunteer.

“I hope that this does not discourage citizens from participating in government and serving on commissions and boards,” he said.

“I accepted the job as city managing director because I sincerely wish to make a difference in the lives of our residents. We had a strong city team that faced some monumental challenges. I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished together,” Amemiya said. “Dropping the felony indictment is an important step toward restoring my reputation and that of my entire honor.”

Leong thanked her family and friends for their support and recognized her former city colleagues.

“I just would like to acknowledge the good and hardworking people, employees of the City and County of Honolulu who tries tirelessly work for the people of the city with respect, integrity and professionalism,” she said. “So please keep it up.”

With their sentencing now behind them, Leong and Sword begin their supervised release while Amemiya watches the clock on his deferred prosecution agreement. What this case does highlight is the importance and the need for transparency in local government.