Tom Libous, the former deputy majority leader of the state Senate, will not face jail time for his felony conviction of lying to the FBI, TWC News reporter Emily Lorsch reported.
Instead, U.S. District Court Judge Vincent Briccetti sentenced Libous, who has terminal cancer, to six months of home confinement and two years probation. He is also being fined $50,000.
Briccetti is making exceptions for Libous to visit his father, who is in a nursing home, as well as his son Matthew, who is serving prison time for tax evasion. He will also be able to leave his home for medical appointments.
Libous’s attorneys and the prosecution had sought no jail time for the former lawmaker, citing his ill health and the likelihood he had less than a year to live.
"I've had tremendous support from not only my family and friends, but my constituents, and I want to thank them," Libous said. "They've supported me. Everyday I get a card, letter phone call, so it's nice to come to this point."
The former senator and his attorney plan to appeal.
Libous was found guilty in July of lying to federal law enforcement in a case stemming from Matthew receiving a job at a politically connected law firm. The conviction on the felony charge automatically expelled Libous from the Binghamton-area seat he had held since 1988.
During his time in office, Libous wielded power in the Senate and helped bring state resources to the otherwise economically struggling area of the state.
A special election to fill the seat earlier this month was won by Republican Fred Akshar.