Mayor Larry Langford of Birmingham convicted of taking bribes

Jurors deliberated less than two hours before returning their sweeping verdict on all 60 counts. It came after six days of testimony in which they heard Langford accepted cash and luxury items worth some $236,000 while serving as president of the Jefferson County Commission. In exchange, prosecutors said, Langford sent lucrative bond business to investment banker Bill Blount. [AP]

Outside the courtroom, Langford and his wife both blamed the verdict on race. 

"They struck as many blacks off that jury as they could," he said. [AP]

"In Alabama, black people will never get a fair trial," Melva Langford said. "There should be a total investigation of the Justice Department." [AP]

Three of twelve jurors were black. Apparently, in Alabama, black jurors are not supposed to convict other black people of felonies. The jury's verdict was unanimous.

He was charged with bribery, conspiracy, fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns. He could face years of prison and large fines when he is sentenced.