Former two-term New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for corruption. The jail time is half of what prosecutors wanted.
Former Mayor Nagin was facing 20 years for his 20 convictions for bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. US District Judge Ginger Berrigan said she imposed a lesser sentence because, among other reasons, Nagin solicited bribes to benefit his family — not just himself.
Federal prosecutor Matt Coman reacts to Nagin’s sentence:
“A very significant, strong sentence, strong message. She downwardly departed [from sentencing guidelines]. We objected. Any appeal will be decided by the Solicitor General in Washington, D.C.”
The 58-year-old Nagin is the first mayor of New Orleans to be convicted of corruption. He remains free on bond until he surrenders to prison authorities in September.
