Former Espy Aide Gets 27 Months In Prison

Judge says the sentence 'should be a deterrent'

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 18) -- A federal judge, saying he wanted to send a message to other high government officials, Wednesday sentenced former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy's former chief of staff to 27 months in prison for lying to federal investigators.

U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth opted not to follow sentencing guidelines in imposing the punishment on Ronald H. Blackley, which called for probation for the offenses.

Lamberth said he did so because Blackley was in a position of trust when he made the false statements, both on financial disclosure forms and to investigators.

"This court has a duty to send a message to other high government officials that there is a penalty to be paid for making false statements under oath," Lamberth said. "Our democracy depends upon trust between the people and government officials. ... This should be a deterrent to other government officials."

Last year, a jury found Blackley lied on his government financial disclosure forms and then to a series of federal investigators. Blackley received $22,000 from associates who had business before his agency, failed to list it on the forms and then lied about the matter to a string of investigators looking into it.

Blackley said he accepted responsibility for his actions, but claimed he had tried to be truthful.

"To the best of my knowledge, I clearly responded to the questions asked of me. I still consider the statements to be true," Blackley said. "I've always tried to do the best I could."

When he completes his prison time, Blackley also must serve three years' probation. He could have been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined as much as $750,000.

Espy faces charges he accepted $35,000 in sports tickets, travel and lodging from Tyson Foods Inc. and other companies regulated by the Agriculture Department. His trial has been delayed because of appeals related to dismissal of four counts against him.

Wednesday March 18, 1998

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• Jones Lawyers: Clinton's Testimony Not Credible
• Former Espy Aide Gets 27 Months In Prison
• Democratic Leader Criticizes GOP Schools Bill
• First 'Air Force One' To Be Retired
• Ex-Gov. Tucker Goes Before Grand Jury
• A Taxpayer-Friendly IRS?
• Fitzgerald To Face Moseley-Braun For Illinois Senate Seat

Transcripts:
• Vice President Al Gore Speaking On IRS Changes