Thread: Katrina Graft

Former New Orleans mayor to start 10-year sentence for graft

Sep 8th 2014 5:47AM

(Reuters) - Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin was due to report to federal prison on Monday to begin serving a 10-year sentence for corruption during the years when the city was struggling to recover from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.

Nagin, a Democrat, was thrust into the national spotlight in 2005, when Katrina overwhelmed levees and flooded 80 percent of New Orleans, killing 1,500 people and causing some $80 billion in damage.

He is due to serve his time at a federal prison in Texarkana, Texas, according to television station WDSU.

Nagin, 58, plans to appeal his conviction. He has said in court filings that he is nearly penniless, and has been granted a court-appointed lawyer.

The onetime cable company executive who served as New Orleans' mayor from 2002-2010 was convicted on 20 criminal counts including bribery, conspiracy and money laundering, all tied to payments he received for granting city contracts.

Seeking re-election in 2006, Nagin, a black politician who had enjoyed strong support from both black and white voters, seemed to adopt a racially divisive tone, urging residents to rebuild a "chocolate New Orleans," referring to its majority black population.

Under federal sentencing rules, Nagin would serve about 8-1/2 years in prison with good behavior.

(Reporting by Jonathan Kaminsky. Editing by Chris Micahud ad Simon Cameron-Moore)

They're all at it.

By the way, you should add a link to your post before it gets deleted.

Reuters) - A federal jury on Thursday found former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife guilty of accepting sweetheart loans and lavish gifts from a businessman in exchange for promoting his company.

McDonnell, a Republican once seen as a potential presidential candidate, was found guilty of 11 of 14 charges in U.S. District Court. His wife, Maureen, was convicted of nine of 14 counts, including obstruction of justice.

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Virginia ex-governor, wife found guilty in corruption trial | Reuters

Former New Orleans Mayor to start jail sentence for graft | Reuters

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

They're all at it.

Yea, and it does feel good when they are caught AND convicted, and, appropriately sentenced. Far too many that are caught are found to be not guilty because of a "reasonable doubt".

Somebody has to keep the storytellers (defense lawyers) living high on the hog.

Is he a nigger?

Just a greedy fool who got caught.

Originally Posted by bowie

Former New Orleans Mayor to start jail sentence for graft | Reuters

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

They're all at it.

Yea, and it does feel good when they are caught AND convicted, and, appropriately sentenced. Far too many that are caught are found to be not guilty because of a "reasonable doubt".

Somebody has to keep the storytellers (defense lawyers) living high on the hog.

McDonnell was offered a deal that would have got him three years max.

Now he's looking at 10 years the silly sod.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

McDonnell was offered a deal that would have got him three years max.
Now he's looking at 10 years the silly sod.

In his mind he did nothing wrong. Absolutely certain of acquittal. Needs to get a new ouiji board.

He'll have several years to regret his optimism.