Larry Langford appeals conviction, sentence

Larry Langford appeals conviction, sentence

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford officially filed an appeal Tuesday over his conviction and sentencing on federal bribery and conspiracy charges.

The appeal was filed Tuesday morning by his attorney, Michael Rasmussen, with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.

Langford was convicted last October for his role in a bribery scheme during his tenure as president of the Jefferson County Commission.  Last Friday, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Langford was convicted last October on 60 felony charges of bribery and conspiracy that took place while he was president of the Jefferson County Commission. Prosecutors said Langford sent more than $7 million in county bond business to Bill Blount's investment banking firm.  Langford, in turn, received $235,000 in cash, jewelry and clothing from Blount via Alabama Democratic lobbyist Al LaPierre. Prosecutors said most of the financial business Langford funneled to Blount involved bond and swap transactions related to Jefferson County's multi-billion dollar sewer debt.

LaPierre and Blount plead guilty last July to charges connected to the bribery scheme with Langford and testified for the prosecution during Langford's trial. Blount was sentenced to four years and four months in prison and LaPierre was sentenced to four years.

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