 Lobbyist Al LaPierre today has agreed to plead guilty and testify in the federal criminal case against Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford. In a deal struck this morning, LaPierre will plead guilty to conspiracy and one count of filing a false tax return, said his lawyer Tommy Spina. The deal requires LaPierre to testify in the Aug. 31 case against Langford and Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount. "He felt this was the right thing to do. He know he has to pay a consequence. He accepts that and will hold his head up," Spina said.
LaPierre has agreed to forfeit $371,932 and pay all taxes due from 2003 to 2006. LaPierre is expected to formally enter the plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler.
Langford, Montgomery investment banker Bill Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre are charged in a 101-count indictment accusing them of mail fraud, bribery, money laundering and conspiracy in relation to complicated county bond swaps during Langford's tenure as Jefferson County Commission president.| One hundred and one counts? Isn't that rather a lot? |
Prosecutors contend that Blount gave Langford -- with LaPierre as intermediary -- $236,000 in cash, jewelry and clothes
| It would have been soooo embarassing had he got the size -- or the gentleman's taste -- wrong. |
in exchange for millions of dollars in county business. The conspiracy counts are punishable by up to five years in prison, Spina said, while the tax count could net LaPierre up to three years.
| Why, yes. He is a Democrat. Why do you ask? |
| Another ten paragraphs and I'm sure they would have told us ... |
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