Blount pleads guilty to bribery, conspiracy; Langford lone remaining defendantPosted by Birmingham News August 18, 2009 2:10 PMMontgomery investment banker Bill Blount, right, arrives at the federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa, Ala. for a plea hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009. (The Birmingham News / Linda Stelter)Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount pleaded guilty today in Tuscaloosa federal court in connection with bond deals involving Jefferson County.Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford is now the lone defendant in the Aug. 31 bribery trial with Blount and Al LaPierre having pleaded guilty. The government alleges Langford used his influence as Jefferson County Commission president to steer county financing business to Blount, resulting in Blount getting $7.1 million in fees. In return, prosecutors say, Blount -- with LaPierre as the middleman -- gave Langford $236,000 in cash, clothes and jewelry.Langford, Blount and LaPierre were charged in a 101-count indictment accusing them of mail fraud, bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. Each fraud count carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, and each money laundering and bribery count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The conspiracy count carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.In exchange for Blount's cooperation, prosecutions will recommend Blount serve 52 months in prison and forfeit $1 million.A rumor circulated on talk radio Monday that Langford would resign today. His federal bribery case begins on Aug. 31. Langford says he's not resigning.
Langford should at least get a few conjugal visits on the 50 yard line of his new dome.
He'll have to wait in line. Every taxpaying citizen of Jefferson County has to be effed by the dome first.
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