Blount to Take Plea Deal, Testify Against Langford

BRADENTON, Fla. - Montgomery, Ala.-based bond dealer William Blount today will plead guilty to one count each of bribery and conspiracy, and he will testify against Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford who is accused of steering Jefferson County, Ala.’s sewer bond business to Blount.

Blount signed a plea agreement that was released by the federal court this morning. He is scheduled to formally enter his plea during a hearing at 1:30 p.m. central time today in Tuscaloosa.

In return for dropping other charges, Blount agreed to testify against Langford, and pay a $1 million fine. He also faces up to 15 years in jail. The trial was scheduled to begin Aug. 31.

Blount was charged in a 101-count indictment last fall, along with Langford and their mutual friend Albert LaPierre, who recently pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy and filing a false tax return in the case. Former Jefferson County commissioner Mary Buckelew had previously pleaded guilty to obstructing justice for lying to a federal grand jury about receiving gifts from Blount. Buckelew and LaPierre are also expected to testify at Langford’s trial.