Delay's sentencing delayed
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: December 23, 2010
Former “Dancing with the Stars” performer and U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) who Nov. 24 was convicted of money laundering and conspiracy in Texas State District Court will be home for Christmas this year.
Although on the court’s docket for a Dec. 20 sentencing, Senior Texas State District Judge Pat Priest on Monday delayed DeLay’s sentencing until Jan. 10, citing scheduling conflicts. The postponement was done in response to a request from Dick DeGuerin, DeLay’s defense attorney.
Under Texas law, the defendant has the right to be sentenced by the judge or by a jury. DeLay said he wants Priest, a Democrat, to pronounce his sentence.
Delay could get anywhere from probation to life in prison for illegally routing nearly $200,000 in corporate money to Republican candidates for the Texas Legislature in 2002. That year, Republicans were able to seize control of the Texas Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction, and thus push through the redistricting plan that favors Republicans.
DeGuerin said he believes DeLay’s sentence will be placed on hold pending appeal, but the sentencing date comes prior to the filing deadline for the appeal. Delay continues to claim his innocence.
