The prosecution of former state House Speaker Jim Black wound to a close Thursday, when he received the minimum 11- to 14- month state sentence for bribery after having paid a $1 million fine.
But Black, who is already serving a 63-month sentence in federal prison, will serve his state sentence concurrently and will therefore likely not spend any additional time in a prison cell, Rob Christensen reports.
"He is an old man who is sick and who will stay in prison, perhaps the rest of his life," said Wake County Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens, in explaining his leniency. "I am under the impression that his wife is ill and may die while he is in prison."
Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby called the sentence "appropriate."
Black, 74, who is an optometrist, was sentenced to federal prison in 2007 after getting caught up in a fund raising scandal. The Mecklenburg Democrat had been one of the most powerful men in state government, able to strongly influence what bills became law.
More after the jump.
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Besides the federal charges, Black also faced state charges. He entered an Alford plea on the state charges, taking responsibility but not admitting guilt. He has already served the sentence for obstruction of justice.
But Stephens delayed sentencing on the bribery charge, saying he could avoid the maximum sentence if he paid a $1 million fine.
Black paid $500,000 in cash last summer and turned over undeveloped property near Charlotte this spring that was appraised at $613,000. The two parcels totaling 9.5 acres are on Rice Road in Matthews.
State fines and forfeitures go to the Wake County school system. One member of the Wake County School Board, Ron Margiotta, criticized the land transaction, saying that Black should have been required to provide cash.
