Updated 01/11/2011 01:22 PM
DeLay out on bail, pending appeal
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Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was released on bail Monday night after his attorney, Dick DeGuerin, filed two $10,000 appellate bonds for each count. He is out pending an appeal.
A state district judge sentenced DeLay earlier Monday to three years in prison following his conviction in November on conspiracy and money laundering charges.
The former congressman was sentenced to three years for conspiracy to commit money laundering and five years for money laundering, but Judge Pat Priest will allow DeLay to serve 10 years probation on the laundering charge in lieu of the prison sentence. The two sentences will be served concurrently.
DeLay's booking photo at the Travis County Sheriff's Office
The state was not allowed to present any witnesses in DeLay's sentencing hearing before state District Judge Pat Priest of San Antonio. Texas businessman Peter Cloeren was asked by the state to testify about his dealings with a congressional candidate that was tied to DeLay. Priest ruled Cloeren's testimony was not relevant to the case.
"We're very disappointed," Travis County Assistant District Attorney Gary Cobb said shortly after the state rested its case.
Cloeron was found guilty for making improper political donations in the mid-1990s. He claims Republican congressional candidate Brian Babin took direction from DeLay to give illegal contributions to Babin’s campaign through employees of Cloeron. DeLay denied that allegation.
Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert testified for the defense.
The Illinois Republican was the longest serving House Speaker for his party. He stepped down from his post in 2008 after deciding to not seek reelection.
In 2005, prosecutors charged DeLay with funneling $190,000 in corporate donations into the 2002 Texas legislative elections.
According to state law, it's a felony to directly give political candidates money for campaigns.
A Travis County jury deliberated over the evidence for nearly 19 hours before returning the conviction.
DeLay had faced five to 99 years in state jail. DeLay continues to deny any wrongdoing, and has called this case a "political witch hunt."