TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sansom, 2 others linked for trial

ADVERTISEMENT

By CATHERINE DOLINSKI

cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: September 10, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - A Leon County judge ruled Wednesday that the state can prosecute former House Speaker Ray Sansom and two other defendants at the same time on charges of official misconduct.

The state will have to make its perjury cases against Sansom and another defendant separately, however.

Sansom, developer Jay Odom and Northwest Florida State College ex-President Bob Richburg face charges of official misconduct relating to Sansom's handling of a $6 million appropriation. Sansom and Richburg also face perjury charges connected to statements they made to a grand jury.
Circuit Judge Terry Lewis decided at a pretrial hearing Wednesday to what extent he would consolidate the cases. He did not rule on prior motions by defense attorneys to dismiss the charges.

The official misconduct trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 29, if Lewis ultimately decides the case should go forward. State Attorney Willie Meggs will have to prosecute Sansom and Richburg for perjury in separate trials at later dates.

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT