TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (CN) - Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was sentenced today (Friday) to 15 years in federal prison for taking bribes when he was president of the Jefferson County Commission.
Langford was convicted in October 2009 of 60 counts of corruption, including bribery, conspiracy, fraud and money laundering, in a multibillion-dollar sewer bond fiasco that has left Jefferson County on the verge of bankruptcy.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler, who sentenced Langford, last week sentenced Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount and former lobbyist Al LaPierre to 4 years each for bribing Langford.
Langford was allowed to remain out on bond until April 5. Until then, he must wear an electronic ankle bracelet and may not leave Jefferson County.
Speaking outside the courtroom, prosecutor George Martin said he was "pleased with the sentence" and believes it "adequately punishes Larry Langford for his crimes." Martin said the sentence will "send a message to other politicians to watch out."
The usually talkative Langford did not speak much while leaving the courthouse, but did say that the "court spoke, but it's not over. We are going to appeal."
Langford said he "felt pretty good about being able to go home" and was looking forward to spending time with his family this weekend.
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