Former N.C. speaker begins prison term |
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Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:49
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Former House Speaker Jim Black surrendered to federal marshals Monday to begin serving his five-year sentence for political corruption.'I'm prepared for about anything,' Black said when asked if he was ready for prison. Wearing gray slacks and a red button-down shirt, the 72-year-old smiled at reporters as he arrived at the federal courthouse in Raleigh minutes before a court-ordered deadline to surrender.Black, once one of the most powerful politicians in North Carolina, pleaded guilty in February to illegally taking thousands of dollars from chiropractors while pushing their legislative agenda.The Mecklenburg County Democrat is to serve his time at a federal prison in Pennsylvania, but it was unclear where he will spend his first night in custody. Black was expected in state court Tuesday for his sentencing on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.Black resigned from the Legislature in February, a day before pleading guilty in federal court. Five days later, he entered a plea in state court after prosecutors accused him of giving ex-Rep. Michael Decker $50,000 to switch political parties in 2003 -- a move that enabled Black to remain in power as co-speaker.Black continues to deny bribing Decker, but he entered an Alford plea to the state charges. Under the plea, Black agreed that evidence could result in his conviction but did not admit any guilt.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Ex-NC House speaker sentenced to 5 years 