Detroit (WWJ) -- A Detroit federal judge has sentenced a Detroit businesman and corruption figure to the maximum five years in jail for conspiracy to commit bribery. Rayford Jackson arranged the bribes for now-former city councilwoman Monica Conyers.
U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn criticized Jackson Friday afternoon for lack of remorse and said he might ease the sentence if Jackson decides in the next year he wants to cooperate with investigators.
Jackson pleaded guilty in June to arranging bribes to Conyers to win support for a $1.2 billion sludge recycling contract for Synagro Technologies.
Federal prosecutors sought the five-year maximum for conspiracy. Jackson's lawyer, Richard Morgan, asked Friday for no more than two years.
"I don't like the sentence, I was shocked by the sentence," Morgan said outside the courthouse. "As I said in my sentencing memorandum Judge Cohn was going to do what he thought was appropriate, he believes what he did is appropriate, I told him I disagree, he knows I disagree, but he's the judge."
Jackson, 44, must surrender to the prison system January 15th.
Former Synagro Vice President James Rosendall, of Grand Rapids, was the first to plead guilty in the public corruption case. He hasn't been sentenced, but prosecutors have recommended 10 months. Rosendall is cooperating with authorities.
Federal prosecutors allege bribe money went from Rosendall to Jackson to Lennie Jackson to Monica Conyers, who voted to approve the Synagro contract.
Conyers, who is married to Congressman John Conyers, pleaded guilty in June and will be sentenced in January.
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