2 Atlanta Airport Figures Get Prison Terms
A former aviation commissioner and a prominent airport businessman were sentenced to prison Friday for a corruption scheme.
Ira Jackson, former Aviation Commissioner and city councilman, was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison. Prosecutors said he used his influence to win favorable deals for airport businesses in which he secretly held an interest.
Jackson was convicted Jan. 22 of 83 counts of mail fraud, 43 counts of accepting bribes and four counts of tax evasion.
Dan Paradies, majority owner of a company that operates shops at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, was sentenced to 2 3/4 years in prison. He was convicted of 83 counts of mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to bribe elected officials.
Jackson and Paradies remain free on bond pending appeal.
The federal trial cast a shadow on the city’s political Establishment--especially as testimony implicated municipal officials not charged.
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