Former Monterey County water director sentenced Thursday

Former Monterey County water director Steve Collins was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation and 270 days in County Jail.

Collins pleaded no contest in March to felony violations of conflict of interest and grand theft. He also pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor of unlawfully receiving money for attending meetings.

Collins also was ordered to pay nearly $90,000 in restitution. If he hasn’t paid the restitution within three years, he will be placed on an additional two years of probation.

In 18 months, Collins may petition the court to have his felony reduced to a misdemeanor conviction if he is fully complying with the terms of his probation.

The charges against Collins stemmed from his involvement in the failed regional desalination project. Prosecutors said it posed a conflict of interest for Collins to work as a consultant on the project while he sat on the board of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.