Wade on Birmingham

The trial of Larry Langford

UPDATE: Langford sentenced to
15 years in prison

Real-time trial updates

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Streaming video from outside the federal courthouse in Tuscaloosa.

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Birmingham Alabama mayor Larry Langford

Birmingham mayor Larry Langford

Introduction

FBI agents arrested Birmingham mayor Larry Langford in December 2008. Along with colleagues Bill Blount and Al LaPierre, he faced charges of conspiracy, bribery, fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns.

Langford was originally scheduled with an Aug. 31, 2009, trial, but successfully petitioned the court to delay until Oct. 19 and change venues to Tuscaloosa.

Blount and LaPierre, who both pleaded guilty, testified against Langford.

On Oct. 28, Langford was found guilty on all 60 counts.

Daily reports

  • Day 1 | Oct. 19: Getting started
    Jury seated. Plus, tools to follow the real-time trial coverage.
  • Day 2 | Oct. 20: Opening statements, highlights
    Prosecutor George Martin and defense attorney Michael Rasmussen attempt to define Langford. Testimony by former county finance director Steve Sayler and downtown merchant Remon Danforah.
  • Day 3 | Oct. 21: Kicks and kickbacks
    Testimony by former county finance director Steve Sayler and several bankers on bond swaps and shopping sprees.
  • Day 4 | Oct. 22: Blount gave bribes for bond business
    Langford friend Bill Blount testifies about cash and gifts he gave to Langford, including using Al LaPierre as a middleman.
  • Day 5 | Oct. 23: Live from Tuscaloosa
    Live updates from Wade on Birmingham and other media in the courtroom. Testimony from Bill Blount and Al LaPierre.
  • Day 6 | Oct. 26: Credit where credit is due
    Langford’s personal debt soared to $649,946 in 2007, the year he was elected mayor. Plus, a Rolex sold to a surprising rival.
  • Day 7 | Oct. 27: Prosecution rests, defense rests
    The prosecution rests after nearly 6 days of testimony, while the defense rests after six witnesses.
  • Day 8 | Oct. 28: Coat of many dollars
    Closing arguments; jury deliberates and returns a verdict in under two hours.
  • Oct. 28: BREAKING: Birmingham mayor Larry Langford guilty of bribery, fraud, conspiracy
    Jury finds him guilty on all 60 counts; out of office by conviction.
  • Oct. 29: The aftermath of the Langford administration
    What happens to Jefferson County and Birmingham after a leader is convicted of bribery?

Also

Related

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Illustration by Herman Henderson