The Mysterious Politicians Of Birmingham
Thought I’d post the opening and link to this story because it has a mysterious element that required deep burial in the legacy media.
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.”
The judge also ordered him to pay more than $360,000 in forfeitures and back federal taxes. He said Langford must report to federal custody by April 5.
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.
“He sold Jefferson County out,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin.
He said Langford committed a “gross abuse of trust” with every Italian suit, Rolex watch and cash payment he received.
The defense claimed these were personal gifts and loans from friends and did not influence Langford’s decision on the bond work.
OK, OK, I won’t keep you in suspense much longer but before I unravel the mystery by actually naming Langford’s political party I should point out that he didn’t act alone. An investment banker, Bill Blount, pleaded guilty to making the payments, and a lobbyist, Al LaPierre, admitted to being the middleman. They were given 4 years each and fined $1 million and $470,000 respectively.
BTW: They are all Democrats.
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"The Mysterious Politicians Of Birmingham"
March 6th, 2010 at 9:28 am
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