April 28, 2008

Prosecutors want 6 1/2 to 8 years for Ted's buddy Hayes

Prosecutors are asking for 78-97 months in prison for convicted former Fairbanks Mayor Jim Hayes. Hayes' lawyer says a 33-month sentence is more than enough.

Hayes was convicted February 12 on 16 charges of conspiracy, theft, fraud, misapplication of federal funds, and money laundering, and failing to file tax returns.

Government's sentencing memorandum for Jim Hayes (PDF)

Government's sentencing memorandum for Chris Hayes (PDF)

Hayes and his wife embezzled more than $450,000 in government grants sent to a nonprofit social service agency via specific earmarks from his friend, Alaska senator Ted Stevens.

Stevens himself is under multiple criminal investigations for bribery, extortion, and corruption charges relating to Alaska's legislature, kickbacks to his son Ben, a suspicious remodelling of his home, and various fisheries issues including a scam involving the SeaLife Center in Seward.

Ted Stevens provided over $2.8 million over five years in specific congressional earmarks for the LOVE Social Services youth program that Jim Hayes' son managed.

James Hayes Jr. lived in Ted Stevens' house in Washington DC while he was an aide to Stevens, and while attending Georgetown Law School.

Hayes' sentencing is Friday May 2.

AlaskaReport's ongoing corruption coverage:

Corrupt Bastard Club coverage and links

Jim Hayes convicted on 16 counts including theft

Ted Stevens' earmark buddy Jim Hayes on trial

A Culture Club of Corrupt Bastards

Ted Stevens under criminal investigation for corruption