AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A judge has ordered U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to serve three years in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.
The sentence comes after a jury in November convicted DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. DeLay was once one of the most powerful men in U.S. politics, ascending to the No. 2 job in the House of Representatives.
The former Houston-area congressman had faced up to life in prison. His attorneys asked for probation.
I wonder if the judge will let him stay out of jail until appeals have been heard.
UPDATED: Judge Pat Priest sentenced Tom DeLay to three years in prison.
The three-year sentence was on the charge of conspiring to launder corporate money into political donations during the 2002 elections.
On the charge of money laundering, DeLay was sentenced to five years in prison, but that was probated for 10 years. That means he would serve 10 years’ probation.
DeLay was taken into custody but he was expected to be released as soon as he posted an appeals bond.
The judge then ordered the courtroom cleared except for the lawyers.
Prior to the sentence, DeLay spoke to the court.
He was unrepentant.
“I fought the fight. I ran the race. I kept the faith,” DeLay said.
end snip