ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The former Louisiana congressman who famously hid $90,000 cash in his freezer and was later convicted of federal bribery charges will soon learn his punishment.
William Jefferson, a Democrat who represented parts of New Orleans, is scheduled to be sentenced Friday afternoon in Virginia.
Jefferson was convicted on charges including bribery and racketeering. Prosecutors said he took in nearly half a million dollars in exchange for using his influence to broker business deals in Africa.
Prosecutors want the 62-year-old Jefferson to serve at least 27 years in prison, which would be the longest term ever imposed on a congressman convicted of bribery. The defense wants less than 10 years and hopes Jefferson can remain free on bond while he appeals his conviction.
