Billy Long to Appeal Sentence

Today, Jerry Summers filed notice with the federal court that he will appeal the sentence imposed against former Hamilton County Sheriff Billy Long. The appeal will go to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeal.

Former sheriff Long was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Nov. 19.

Long clenched his fists and slumped his head downward as he peered up toward U.S. District Judge Harry S. Mattice.

Before he was sentenced Long said "I take full responsibility for my actions, I never intended to do anything like that."

As to why he did what the government caught on video tape Long said "I don't really have an answer." He wrapped up his brief statement to the judge saying "I ask my family for forgiveness, I ask God for forgiveness and I ask for your forgiveness and I ask for mercy."

Earlier Judge Mattice told Long there is "just a lot of anger, a sense of betrayal in the community."

The 56-year-old Long pleaded guilty to 27 criminal counts that included charges of extortion, bribery, money laundering, possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and selling a firearm to an addict, felon or fugitive.

In court today it was revealed that 14 to 17 years was the federal sentencing guidleine for the charges. He must serve 14 years in prison on Criminal Counts 1 through 25, and 27. He was sentenced to 10 years on Count 26, however the two sentences will be served concurrently. No parole is allowed for federal sentences. The former sheriff will then serve five years probation.

A$2,700 fine was waived, however the government will file a motion asking that Long be ordered to repay the $23,000 in "drug money" that he took during the investigation.

Jerry Summers, defense attorney for Long, filed an earlier detailed document pleading for leniency in Long's upcoming sentencing. The 56-page document filed by Long concluded saying, "... we submit that a sentence that will be sufficient but not greater than necessary is a sentence below the mandatory minimum and below the sentencing guideline range."

During the sentencing hearing Wednesday Summers argued that Long was a victim of "government entrapment," where agents and U.S. Attorneys took the undercover operation further in order to "pile up the sentencing months."

Summers also argued that Long started his criminal behavior by "shaking down" Indian convenience store owners who never paid money they pledged for his sheriff's campaign, and that it was Rev. C.E. Overstreet who set him up into a bogus cocaine selling operation Summers called "legal fiction." Overstreet, who in court today was described by lawyers and the judge as an unsavory character, was the government's undercover "snitch" who furthered the bogus cocaine and money laundering operation with a fictitious Mexican drug cartel.

The government's response filed said, "At the August 15, 2008, hearing, this Court asked why the defendant would commit these crimes with their terrible consequences. The defendant answered that question on video. His true identity - one of avarice, selfishness, disregard for sacred oaths, exploitation of the weak, and supreme arrogance - has now been revealed on video for all the world to see. Like many figures in literature, his character was fatally flawed. Justice, in this case, demands a severe consequence. The Sentencing Guidelines are appropriate and should be followed."

Click the Links above to the right to watch the surveillance videos recording during the government's investigation of Long. ---->