Langford told SEC he paid for NYC suits

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—-
Larry Langford told Securities and Exchange Commission he mostly paid for suits bought in New York City, according to a transcript read for the jury hearing Langford’s federal corruption trial.

Prosecutors read the June 2007 transcript as the second week of Langford’s trial got underway.

In the transcript Langford said he had never borrowed money from investment banker Bill Blount.

Langford also testified in 2007 that he paid for suits bought on New York City business trips with Blount.

He admitted Blount bought an occasional birthday gift for him on the trips.

Langford also testified that he had given Blount more gifts than Blount had in return.

Earlier testimony showed Blount paid for thousands of dollars worth of suits and jewelry on New York City trips.
Langford faces 60 charges from a federal indictment returned in June 2008 and unsealed 6 months later.

Among the charges are bribery, money laundering, conspiracy, mail and wire fraud and filing a false tax return.

Prosecutors claim Langford accepted $235,000 in cash, clothing and jewelry from investment banker Bill Blount and lobbyist Al LaPierre.

In exchange, prosecutors argue, Langford arranged lucrative bond swap deals for Blount and LaPierre while Langford served as President of the Jefferson County Commission.

Langford has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Blount has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery and LaPierre admitted guilt to conspiracy and filing a false tax return.

If Langford is convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 804 years in prison.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.