Update: Banks must serve 45 months in prison and pay a $15,000 fine. He will report to prison on January 4.
The boom was finally lowered on Jody Owens as U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III sentenced him to serve 41 months in prison and pay a $100,000 fine today. The former Hinds County District Attorney pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in July.
Maximum sentence for conspiracy is 60 months. The sentencing guideline range is 41 to 51 months. Owens made no objections to the sentencing report.
Owens' attorney urged the Court to consider the numerous letters it received in support of Owens. Judge Jordan stopped Bufkin when he referred to Owens' criminal behavior "as he was portrayed." The learned jurist said these were acts he did. Bufkin said he misspoke and "there is no question of his guilt."
Just listening to the tapes and reading the pre-sentence report of Owens gave a different portrayal of who he is, said the attorney. Judge Jordan said there is conduct outside of the offense documented in video that gives a different side. The attorney asked the Court to send Owens to the federal prison in Montgomery, Alabama.
Judge Jordan said a fine is appropriate since the government was unable to recover much of the money given to Owens.
Jody Owens took the podium as he said one final word in his defense. "Today, I'm here to be sentenced for conspiracy to commit bribery. I can't begin to tell you the shame I feel. I betrayed myself, my friends, my family with my repugnant actions. People trusted me, and I treated that trust with contempt," said Owens.
"I want to apologize to my wife, Michelle. I've embarrassed her. I've failed my marriage, failed my vows as a husband and she will bear that burden," continued Owens. The defendant also apologized to the Court for putting it in a difficult position.
Owens must report to prison on January 4.
12 comments:
How about the apology to those that voted him into office?
There's plenty of regret flowing these days. Hoping to see some genuine brokenness and repentance along with a commitment to legitimate, selfless, sacrificial public service after the just sentence is served. This is a very forgiving place, America. One can be genuinely restored to a place of honor, if one is willing to demonstrate genuine repentance and a commitment to sacrificial service.
Leavenworth would be more appropriate than a club membership in Montgomery.
I hate he did what he did, but that is taking it like a man. His statement took guts that the others don't have.
I finally have some respect for Jody Owens.
Yes Jody, you should be ashamed. Forgive yourself because you still have value. We've all made mistakes maybe not that stupid but it's been something we regret. Use your skillset to help the other prisoners. You are a cowboy so don't be afraid. Stay prayed up and safe. I expect early release for you.
2:10 — Can go with you on some of your comments, but FYI there is no early release or parole in the federal system. He will serve that sentence day for day.
A Soros section purvand simple.
Nice try Bufkin- the Judge saw it for what it was.
no cigars today
He's sorry he got caught. He has no honor...never has or he wouldn't have done what he did. Bye!
Asking for a friend: If you get jail time plus a fine, what happens if you don't pay the fine? You're already in jail, so....
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