Michelle Spence-Jones is in line for a hefty payout now that she's been cleared to return to Miami City Hall.
The District 5 commissioner, who was suspended twice before she was exonerated earlier this week on theft and corruption charges, is owed $183,210.51 in back pay, the city's Department of Public Information said Friday.
Spence-Jones was officially reinstated by Go. Rick Scott Wednesday, ending her nearly two-year exile from the city commission.
On Tuesday, prosecutors decided to drop a grand theft charge against Spence-Jones, the last remaining legal obstacle to the suspended commissioner regaining her post. In March, she was acquitted of bribery charges.
Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said Wednesday that Spence-Jones was entitled to the back pay.
"If you're found innocent, you're entitled to get your back pay and of course the city will honor it," he said.
No date has been set for Spence-Jones to rejoin the commission, but she said she's grateful to be back.
"My experience with the justice system has made me a much wiser person and it has strengthened my commitment to public service," she said. "I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of the City of Miami, particularly the residents of District 5."
