The former Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, Larry Langford, is in critical condition in a Kentucky hospital and has been denied release from federal prison, according to WVTM 13.
His attorney, Tiffany Johnson-Cole, confirmed Langford’s health to the station and Former Birmingham Mayor William Bell told the news station that his family is with him.
“His wife and family have made it to his bedside,” former Birmingham Mayor said Bell. “He is alert and recognizes them.”
Langford, 72, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in 2009 for taking $235,000 in bribes and public corruption. He was denied a compassionate release on Nov. 2, per reports.
Following a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill supported by President Donald Trump, Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell asked the president to reduce Langford’s sentence.
“During this season of hope, I am calling on the Trump Administration to act with compassion and immediately reduce Mayor Langford’s sentence due to his deteriorating health,” Sewell said. “Justice should be fair but also merciful. Mayor Larry Langford has served over eight years in federal prison and should spend his final days surrounded by family in Birmingham, Alabama.”
Langford’s friend, Chris Wood, told the station that the former mayor has made peace with God as his health deteriorates.
