Bobby DeLaughter was a hero and did great things as a prosecutor. Will this erase his legacy?
By Jerry Mitchell
Jackson Clarion Ledger
ABERDEEN, Miss. – He wore the suit of an acclaimed prosecutor before donning the robe of a well-respected judge. Now Bobby DeLaughter expects to wear the uniform of a prison inmate.
Hours after resigning his $104,000-a-year job as Hinds County circuit judge, DeLaughter, 55, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. Under his plea agreement, he would serve 18 months in prison and wouldn’t have to cooperate with federal authorities in their continuing investigation. No date has been set for sentencing.
Under the agreement, DeLaughter’s remaining four counts of mail fraud conspiracy and involvement in a bribery scheme would be dismissed.
But if U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson rejects the plea deal, DeLaughter can withdraw his guilty plea and go on trial. His trial had been set for Aug. 17.
