Nation IN BRIEF : KENTUCKY : Husband of Ex-Gov. Guilty of Extortion

The husband of former Gov. Martha Layne Collins was convicted of extorting money from state contractors and disguising kickbacks as political contributions. A jury in Frankfort, Ky., deliberated about 11 hours over two days before returning the verdicts against Bill Collins, who prosecutors said exploited a perception that he could influence contracting for bond issues and professional services during his wife’s four years in office. The former governor was not charged. U.S. District Judge Joseph M. Hood scheduled Collins’ sentencing for Dec. 22. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.