S. Carolina State Senator Convicted in Corruption Case
A federal jury on Saturday convicted a state senator who was among 28 legislators, lobbyists and officials charged in an investigation of Statehouse corruption.
State Sen. J. M. (Bud) Long was found guilty of selling his vote on a parimutuel betting bill for $2,800, violating a federal corruption law. The jury deliberated almost two hours before reaching its verdict.
Long, 64, left through a courthouse back door without stopping to comment.
U.S. District Judge Falcon Hawkins had acquitted Long of a conspiracy charge the day before. He ruled, however, that there was enough evidence to continue the trial on charges that Long violated the Hobbs Act by selling his vote.
U.S. Atty. Bart Daniel introduced a videotape that showed Long telling government informant Ron Cobb he needed money to make a house payment.
Defense attorney Jack Swerling argued that the government sting operation did uncover corruption at the Statehouse, but Long was not a part of it.
Of the 28 persons charged under Operation Lost Trust, most have pleaded guilty to bribery or drug charges.
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