Decker's sentence

Former state Rep. Michael Decker was sentenced in late April of 2007 for his accepting a bribe to switch parties in order to keep former House speaker Jim Black in power.

U.S. District Court Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Decker to four years in prison and a $50,000 fine, beyond prosecutors' recommendation of 24 to 30 months.

In the sentencing memo below, Dever said Decker's actions were "an epic betrayal."

Decker and Black betrayed their oath of office. Decker and Black betrayed the citizens of North Carolina. Decker and Black betrayed all of their fellow legislators who serve with honor. Decker and Black betrayed all former legislators — living and dead — who served North Carolina with honor.

He wrote that Black was willing to "buy Decker's office," and Decker "was willing to sell it.

The judge's words begin on page 20.