News

Sentencing delay for key Nagin witness

by Patrick Flanagan

Sentencing has been delayed for a businessman who provided key testimony in the corruption case that resulted in the conviction of former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Sentencing has been delayed for a businessman who provided key testimony in the corruption case that resulted in the conviction of former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin.

Rodney Williams was scheduled for sentencing Wednesday. But U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan delayed the sentencing until Sept. 10. Her Tuesday order said an ongoing jury trial made the delay necessary.

Nagin has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was convicted in February on 20 criminal counts stemming from his two terms as mayor from 2002 to 2010.

Williams pleaded guilty in 2012 to conspiracy to commit bribery. He testified that he and his partners paid Nagin tens of thousands of dollars in return for city contracts. His plea agreement calls for a prison sentence ranging from 30 to 37 months