Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Larry Langford was convicted on October 28, 2009, on federal corruption charges, including bribery, conspiracy and fraud. Jurors in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, returned a guilty verdict on all 60 counts against Langford after deliberating for about two hours.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iFcj0qAPUWfSXpxgFvebUzsa7-YgD9BKCR5G2
The conviction automatically removed Langford from office; Birmingham City Council President Carole Smitherman will serve as interim mayor until a replacement is named.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iFcj0qAPUWfSXpxgFvebUzsa7-YgD9BKCR5G2
On March 5, 2010, Langford was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler to 15 years in federal prison. He will begin serving the sentence on April 5, 2010.http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/03/langford_ordered_to_begin_serv.html
Background
Langford was accused of accepting more than $235,000 in personal gifts and money from investment banker Bill Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre while serving as president of the Jefferson County Commission. In exchange, Langford funneled more than $7 million in bond business to Blount. Blount and LaPierre have already been convicted for their roles in the case.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iFcj0qAPUWfSXpxgFvebUzsa7-YgD9BKCR5G2
Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford Convicted
Larry Langford was convicted in federal court of bribery on October 28, 2009. Langford, who assumed office as Birmingham's mayor in 2007, was immediately removed from office. Jurors returned the guilty verdict on a 60-count indictment after deliberating for two hours.
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Langford convicted on 60 counts at his federal corruption trial on October 28, 2009
-
Fact:
Charges against Langford included bribery, fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and filing false tax returns
-
Fact:
Ordered to forfeit $241,843; will remain free on bond until he is sentenced
-
Fact:
Claims race was a factor in the jury's decision
-
Sentencing
