Former Birmingham mayor gets 15 years for bribery

Associated Press ^ | 3-5-10 | JAY REEVES

[Justaham]

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison for taking some $235,000 in bribes in return for lucrative bond work.

U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler imposed the sentence on Langford, 63, who told the court, "I am sorry all this has occurred."

Langford, a dapper political figure, was convicted in October of taking some $235,000 in cash, loans and gifts — including expensive clothes and jewelry — while he was president of the Jefferson County Commission. In exchange, prosecutors said, he steered county bond work to an investment banker who paid the bribes.

The defense claimed they were personal gifts and loans from friends and did not influence Langford's decision on the bond work.

But investment banker Bill Blount pleaded guilty to making the payments, and lobbyist Al LaPierre admitted being the middleman. Blount, the former state Democratic Party chairman, last week was sentenced to more than four years in prison. LaPierre, the former executive director of the state Democratic Party, got four years. Blount also was ordered to pay $1 million to the government, and LaPierre $470,000.

Prosecutors had asked Coogler to send Langford to prison for at least 24 years and as long as 30 years — contending he had showed no remorse. They also sought nearly $362,000 in back taxes and forfeitures.

[FreetheMarkets]

Yes he is a Democrat. Per the usual the AP does not say it straight out, like they would if he had a (R) behind his name.

[Frantzie]

What Rangel has done is worse than this.

[SJSAMPLE]

Name that party.
His co-conspirators were mentioned, by not the mayor’s party.

[Hoodat]

Culture of corruption.

[decimon]

In Birmingham they love the governor
Hoo hoo hoo

[blam]

"Defense attorneys also asked the judge to ignore new allegations that Langford won excessive jackpots at a longtime supporter's casino — at least 555 over a recent three-year period ranging from slightly more than $1,000 to more than $14,000."

[BamaDi]

Guess his luck finally ran out - this for a guy who “won” 550 jackpots at a casino near B’ham to the tune of $l.5M in a little over 2 months - and who says they rig slots......

[auboy]

TV news man turned criminal. I’m shocked. NOT.

[political1]

Next one is Sheila Smoot

[USS Alaska]

He's awfully light skinned and doesn't speak with a negro accent to be a true demonRAT. Must be a Karl Rove plant.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

He'll be out in two years.

[fieldmarshaldj]

*ping*