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.
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He should do the five and tell them to stuff the ten years’ probation. With a leash like that on him, he’ll be useless for a decade after his release on the three [it would seem that the sentences would run concurrently, since the convictions are based on a common transaction-so that would mean two extra on the three, and no one looking over his shoulder for the ten].