Judge rules Jefferson can remain free while he appeals conviction

19 Nov 2009 // Former congressman William J. Jefferson will not have to begin serving his 13-year prison term until his appeal of his conviction on corruption charges is resolved, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

Prosecutors had urged the U.S. District Court judge, T.S. Ellis III, to jail Jefferson immediately, arguing that he could flee. But Ellis ruled that Jefferson is not a flight risk and can remain free pending his appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, prosecutors said.

The Louisiana Democrat was convicted in August in U.S. District Court in Alexandria of 11 counts that included bribery, racketeering and money laundering. He was sentenced Friday to 13 years in prison.