Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford Released Early From Prison
An attorney for former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford says he will be released from prison after years of being sick.
Langford was serving a 15-year sentence at a federal prison in Kentucky after being convicted of public corruption and taking bribes of $235,000.
The former mayor has been sick with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and and emphysema. In November, the Federal Bureau of Prisons denied him a request for compassionate release noting “his release at this time would minimize the severity of his offense and pose a danger to the safety of the community.”
On Christmas Eve, Langford’s attorney, Tiffany Johnson Cole, said he was in critical condition and was not expected to last through the week. Since then, residents have spoken out about their support for Langford at a prayer vigil. Langford’s niece also asked TV reality star Kim Kardashian West to intervene as she has done previously for another inmate.
@KimKardashian
I’m praying with all my heart that this works. Im sorry to bother you Mrs. West. I’m hoping that you get this in time. My name is Beverly Langford. I’m from Birmingham, Al. My uncle Larry Langford is dying in federal prison. Help for compassionate release please?— Beverly Langford (@Cornerstone2926) December 27, 2018
U.S. Attorney Jay Town announced today the decision by the BOP would be overturned.
“After reviewing the information provided by the Bureau of Prisons, it was our judgement that compassionate release and reduction of sentence was appropriate under these limited circumstances,” U.S. Attorney Jay Town said in a statement.
It is unclear when Langford will be released.
Q&A: How harm reduction can help mitigate the opioid crisis
Maia Szalavitz discusses harm reduction's effectiveness against drug addiction, how punitive policies can hurt people who need pain medication and more.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring a Community Engagement Producer
The Gulf States Newsroom is seeking a curious, creative and collaborative professional to work with our regional team to build up engaged journalism efforts.
Gambling bills face uncertain future in the Alabama legislature
This year looked to be different for lottery and gambling legislation, which has fallen short for years in the Alabama legislature. But this week, with only a handful of meeting days left, competing House and Senate proposals were sent to a conference committee to work out differences.
Alabama’s racial, ethnic health disparities are ‘more severe’ than other states, report says
Data from the Commonwealth Fund show that the quality of care people receive and their health outcomes worsened because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s your favorite thing about Alabama?
That's the question we put to those at our recent News and Brews community pop-ups at Hop City and Saturn in Birmingham.
Q&A: A former New Orleans police chief says it’s time the U.S. changes its marijuana policy
Ronal Serpas is one of 32 law enforcement leaders who signed a letter sent to President Biden in support of moving marijuana to a Schedule III drug.
