William Jefferson, the former Louisiana congressman who hid $90,0000 in his freezer, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for taking bribes. The Democrat who represented parts of New Orleans for roughly 20 years was found guilty in August of taking around $500,000 in bribes. He was also cited for attempting to search for millions more in exchange for using his power to broker business deals in Africa.
U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said, "There must be some sort of greed virus that attacks those in power." He noted that so many other congressmen have been convicted of similar charges. However, the punishments were not quite as stern. Prosecutors wanted Jefferson to serve 27 years.
"His activity represented the most extensive and pervasive pattern of corruption in the history of Congress," prosecutor Mark Lytle said.
Jefferson was allowed to remain free until a hearing the following week, meanwhile he has filed for bankruptcy protection and his wife is claiming rights to some of those assets.
