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Govt asks 27 years in prison for William Jefferson

by Michael Luke / Eyewitness News

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 11:51 AM

Updated Monday, Nov 9 at 2:49 PM

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Prosecutors are asking that former Congressman William Jefferson receive at least a 27-year sentence after being found guilty in his federal bribery case.



 

Jefferson is expected to be sentenced Friday and faces 27 to 33 years, according to sentencing guidelines.



 

Friday morning, prosecution and defense will get the chance to argue whether the guidelines were calculated accordingly.  Then the judge will rule whether the sentence was calculated accordingly.



 

After which, prosecution and defense will be given a chance to argue what is the appropriate sentence for Jefferson.  Jefferson will then be given a chance to speak to the court, before the judge issues his sentence for the former congressman.



 

Jefferson could be taken into custody immediately after the judge’s sentence, or Jefferson may be given the right to self-surrender at an appointed time and date. Or, he may be allowed to stay out of prison while he awaits appeal.



 

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word2dwise said on November 9, 2009 at 3:13 PM

About time!!! Another Louisiana crook is soon to be booked! I hope the citizens that voted for Jefferson now see that he is really a crooked politician.

usmarine said on November 9, 2009 at 4:30 PM

book em 27 sounds good... its a start...

rhettswife said on November 9, 2009 at 4:32 PM

Place him in custody immediately. Treat him like other ordinary criminals. It is time that public officials see what they face with their corrupt ways.

cargogirl said on November 9, 2009 at 8:22 PM

getting sentenced on friday the 13th, not a good day for jefferson, hope he brings his rabbit foot with him, although i dont think it will work. say hi to edwards for me, we will try out best to get nagin there too, maffett and his clan will be there to so you wont be alone, just one word of advice, DONT BEND OVER TO PICK UP THE SOAP. talk about back dooring someone.

ltt12 said on November 9, 2009 at 8:58 PM

he should get the max 33 years

rockinroller said on November 10, 2009 at 5:40 AM

William "Dollah Bill" Jefferson should indeed serve 27 prison years for what he's done. Jefferson's greed for ill gained wealth tarnished Louisiana's Congressional representation, brazenly violated U.S. tax laws and added serious damage to the U.S. economy, not to mention the diplomatic damage in international relations involving the United States. We don't pause to think of the total seriousness of Jefferson's crimes---but overall what he's done affects our lives as, "the common joe working American"; we've paid dearly while Jefferson stole $$$ to pad his bank account(s).

tranikamurray said on November 10, 2009 at 8:33 AM

I belive no one deserves to die in prison for somthing like this, so he should get only 2 years and probation. He is to old for Prision, if he gets that much time 27 years, he will die in there. everyone makes mistakes at one time in life and should be forgiven for it, so the judge and the lawyers needs to really talk about this. Thanks.

doctorsaint said on November 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM

To tranikamurray: You are obviously a compassionate, forgiving person, however, you are missing one very important point. This was not a "mistake". This was willful, systematic disregard for the law by a person who simply believed he was too good for and above the law. His massive ego and greed dictated this over a long period of time. If Mr. Jefferson dies in prison (and I certainly don't wish this on him or anyone), it will be of his own doing. He broke the law, he must pay the price.

fujitafan1 said on November 10, 2009 at 4:00 PM

It's about time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!