His sentencing is in a couple months. Jail is still on the table. Depending on the jurisdiction and type of crime, it's not uncommon for sentencing to occur later on while the two sides organize their pitch for what's appropriate. Plus probation offices and such can give their own assessments.
He specifically chose that his resignation would take effect today, because they a paycheck today. Gotta milk it for every last little bit of cash they can grab!
There are a lot of things worth criticizing him for but I don't think this is one of them. You and I would likely act the same if we had the choice of timing our resignation.
The governor also mentioned a historic dimension to Helmy's appointment; he will become the only Arab American currently serving in the U.S. Senate.
Not the best way to break that ground, but still good to see.
He's apparently Coptic, and their feelings on Palestine can be pretty broad, so we'll see if he ends up pushing the Senate toward a less pro-Israel stance.