The following is a statement from former State Senator Derrick Shepherd following his guilty plea in federal court.

Today, I acknowledged my fault and my role and responsibility in the indictment I received. I do want to apologize, first and foremost to the court and the bar. I apologize to my family. I apologize to my father, in particular. I had never committed a crime until now and I took pride in that.

I also apologize to the citizens of my district. I did tender my resignation today. But, I want the citizens to know that in no way did I abuse the position that they elected me to.

This was a private matter, what I did wrong. I also want to apologize to the children, especially the young black kids who always tell me they look up to me. I apologize and I want you to know that you have to do the right thing at all times and when you do wrong, even one time, one split second, it will cost you and it cost me. It cost me my political career, my legal career, as well as my military career. That’s the price I have to pay.

From now, we’re going to move forward. I ask you to respect my privacy. I’m a private citizen now, I’m not an elected official anymore. I thank my family for standing with me. I thank my attorney. I thank the government for doing their job. I thank most of you for your prayers… This too shall pass and God is not through with me yet. Thank you, God Bless and I’m sorry.