The Austin American-Statesman reports:
Judge Pat Priest sentenced Tom DeLay to three years in prison.
The three-year sentence was on the charge of conspiring to launder corporate money into political donations during the 2002 elections.
On the charge of money laundering, DeLay was sentenced to five years but that was probated for 10 years.
UPDATED: Travis County prosecutors argued that Tom DeLay should go to prison today.
“He needs to go to prison, your Honor, and he needs to go today,” said prosecutor Steven Brand.
Brand said the judge could send a message that no one is above the law.
DeLay’s lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, said the jury’s verdict sent a message.
“Tom DeLay was convicted of a felony,” he said. “That alone is consequence is enough.”
DeGuerin said his client accepts the jury’s verdict but does not agree with it and will fight it.
UPDATED NOON: Tom DeLay will speak to the court during the final phase of his sentencing hearing, his lawyer Dick DeGuerin said.
The hearing has broken for lunch until 1:15 p.m. Both sides will make final arguments.
Prosecutors are seeking jail time, stressing that the former U.S. House majority leader has not accepted responsibility or expressed remorse after a jury convicted him in November on money laundering and conspiracy charges.
For more news and updates click here
