Posted on 08/27/2007 4:15:18 PM PDT by SmithL
Character witnesses testifying on John Ford's behalf asked a federal judge this afternoon to show leniency in sentencing the former state senator.
Ford, 65, who was convicted in April of taking $55,000 in bribes, faces up to 10 years in prison. His defense says the amount should be no more than a year or two.
"He's a fun guy and hard working," said retired state representative Alvin King. "You could depend on John. He was the go-to person. He was an outstanding legislator. He got a lot of things passed."
Turning to U.S. Dist. Court Judge J. Daniel Breen, King said Ford tends to brag, but that he is a good person and deserves leniency.
Rep. Ulysses Jones also testified in the sentencing hearing, noting that Ford would support and promote bills for his colleagues to help get them passed.
"He's already missed in the legislature," said Jones. "He did a lot of good for a lot of people, not only in this county but also in the state. There's a lot of people who miss Sen. Ford."
Earlier in the day, defense attorney Michael Scholl took issue with the pre-sentencing report, which he said unfairly favored the government.
Ford was convicted of accepting $55,000 in bribes from undercover federal agents posing as crooked businessman in an FBI sting known as the Tennessee Waltz. He is one of five state lawmakers - and 11 of 12 defendants overall - who have been convicted or pleaded guilty in the public corruption investigation.
Scholl argued that Ford's monthly $5,000 payment from undercover agents was part of a single bribe which would place his client on lower sentencing scale.
"This was only one set of bribes and it had an ending date when the bill passed," said Scholl, referring to legislation Ford promised to handle for the agents.
Federal prosecutor Tim DiScenza contended that the payments were multiple bribes.
"It was open-ended," he said. "There was no fixed amount."
Defense and prosecutors also argued over the value of a Rolex watch that was taken Ford when he was arrested on the bribery charges.
Ford had boasted to undercover agents that the watch was a gift from developer Rusty Hyneman for saving him more than a million dollars in his business dealings with the state of Tennessee.
At 3:30 p.m. Breen called a 20-minute break and arguments over the watch resumed.
Ford also is expected to call about 15 character witnesses during the hearing. It was not clear this afternoon whether the hearing would be concluded today.
Among those watching in the crowded courtroom are U.S. Atty. David Kustoff and Memphis FBI chief My Harrison.
What’s a little greed between friends?
Looking at this judge’s resume and his name, I don’t look for anything but leniency. Two of the most liberal Catholic priests in Nashville share the same last name. He attended Spring Hill College which is a Jesuit Catholic school and the Jesuits are the most liberal of all Catholics. “Liberal” is written all over this guy.
Party affiliation not given by the reporter. May I assume Mr. Ford is a Rat?
You may assume that. John Ford is Harold Ford, Jr.’s uncle.
But, did he find Jesus? Michael Vick did.
A principal of a suburban Atlanta school this morning went
on the horn to ask all the kids to “ pray for Vick’.
I wonder if these “defenders” of crooks and jerks asked
their followers to pray for the Duke LaCrosse players?
Let the guy off. He’s a heckuva movie director. “The Grapes of Wrath” and the greatest movie ever made “Tobacco Road”. And some jim dandy John Wayne movies too.
People saying that are probably owed money by Ford and they won't recover a penny if Ford goes to the clink.
This is not the end of Ford's legal problems. I don't know how a good person gets in so much trouble.
Add this to "things NOT to say at a sentencing hearing...
That wouldn’t matter in the least Ford’s don’t repay ‘loans’..or pay bills either.
friends@foxnews.com
ask them if they intend to report the conviction and sentencing of the 'big cheese' caught in the TN Waltz Sting? Or don't they want to embarass FNC contributor and former US Rep Harold Ford, Jr. I did.
NO, just saying what his lawyer told him to to get off lighter..he’s a sociopath...can’t cvhange his spots.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.