WILMINGTON — The Delaware Department of Justice’s Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust on Tuesday secured two convictions against William Freeborn, the former executive director of the Wilmington Neighborhood Conservancy Land Bank.

“If you abuse the public’s trust we will hold you accountable,” Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said in an announcement.

“The defendant used a position of public confidence to unethically and illegally secure thousands of dollars for his personal benefit. His acceptance of responsibility will bring closure and compensation to his victims, bans him from managing the public’s money, and requires him to volunteer for the people of Wilmington as part of his probation.

“Nobody should be beneath justice, and nobody should be above the law.”

Freeborn, 67, pleaded guilty to official misconduct and theft after confessing to knowingly accepting at least $28,000 in unauthorized cash deposits for properties that, despite his misrepresentations, did not yet belong to the Land Bank, the DOJ said.

Under the plea, Freeborn:

• Made restitution of the misappropriated $28,000, and stipulated to a mechanism for forthcoming claims;

• Agreed never again to hold a position of control over the finances of any nonprofit or government agency/program;

• May have no contact with the land bank, the Wilmington Housing Authority or the membership/employees of either enterprise;

• Must complete 50 hours of community service to the City of Wilmington; and

• Will serve one year of probation, in addition to a suspended one-year prison sentence.

For a period of 90 days, additional claimants may submit documentation, under penalty of perjury, to the Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust for restitution at publictrust@delaware.gov or 302-577-5400.

The DOJ said it became aware of Freeborn’s conduct when contacted by land bank staff and board members alleging financial irregularities.

Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust Director Mark Denney secured Freeborn’s plea.