Judge sentences ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to 3 years in prison in money laundering scheme.
The Hammer sent to the slammer!
Justice at last! Thank goodness for straight arrow judges like Judge Priest who are not impressed or intimidated by a defendant's political connections.
Mr. DeLay...go to jail without a "get out of jail" card...just desserts!
3 years on count 1 5 years on count 2 10 years community supervision
He's in custody until he posts bond.
Judge sentences ex-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to 3 years in prison in money laundering scheme
AUSTIN, TX -- A judge has ordered former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to serve three years in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.
The sentence comes after a jury in November convicted DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. DeLay was once one of the most powerful men in U.S. politics, ascending to the No. 2 job in the House of Representatives.
The former Houston-area congressman had faced up to life in prison. His attorneys asked for probation.
Senior Judge Pat Priest issued his ruling after a brief sentencing hearing on Monday in which former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert testified on DeLay's behalf.
Priest declined to hear testimony from the state's only witness.
Where's the big smile, Tom?
Senior Judge Pat Priest sentenced him to the three-year term on the conspiracy charge. He also sentenced him to five years in prison on the money laundering charge but allowed DeLay to accept 10 years of probation instead of more prison time.
The former Houston-area congressman had faced up to life in prison. His attorneys asked for probation.
Senior Judge Pat Priest issued his ruling after a brief sentencing hearing on Monday in which former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert testified on DeLay's behalf.