Wade on Birmingham

Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks: Mary Buckelew

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In August, we’re celebrating Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks, whether they be liars, thieves, extortionists, swindlers or thugs. Running daily until Birmingham mayor Larry Langford’s Aug. 31 federal trial. Thanks to Bhamwiki for helping with this project.

Mary Buckelew

Mary BuckelewPosition held: president, Jefferson County Commission (Governing magazine’s 1997 Public Official of the Year)

Wanted for: obstruction of justice, lying to a grand jury about accepted gifts, including $4,000 in designer shoes, a purse and a spa treatment.

Date of conviction: Oct. 28, 2008

Sentence: Faces 12 to 18 months in prison. Sentencing postponed from June 30 to Sept. 30, after Birmingham mayor Larry Langford’s federal trial. Her cooperation in a plea deal was to uncover others involved in criminal activity related to the bond swaps over the Jefferson County sewer system.

Criminally fun fact: Heckuva job … Buckelew was honored by FEMA in 2002 for her “drive, enthusiasm and dedication.”

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3 Yips for “Birmingham’s Biggest Crooks: Mary Buckelew”

  1. MadisonU
    Monday, August 3, 2009, 11:19 am
    1

    I like this 31 days of crooks thing. Good idea, Wade. I’ll be tuning in daily.

  2. Wade
    Monday, August 3, 2009, 5:03 pm
    2

    Thanks, Madison!

    If you have a suggestion, shout it out. We do dedications, kinda like a Long-Distance Incarceration a la Casey Kasem.

  3. Wade on Birmingham » BREAKING: Mary Buckelew sentenced to 3 years probation
    Thursday, November 12, 2009, 12:42 pm
    3

    […] if (minutes Sphere: Related Content Also see:Heads up: Former Commissioner Buckelew pleads guiltyBirmingham’s Biggest Crooks: Mary BuckelewHeads up: John Katopodis guilty of mail, wire fraudLarry Langford trial, Day 3: Kicks and […]

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