Sentencing of former supervisor for bribery delayed

JACKSON — Sentencing for former Holmes County Supervisor Larry Dennis has been delayed because of disagreement over how much money was lost when he was bribed a year ago.

When Dennis arrived in federal court in Jackson yesterday, he was facing a maximum 37 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines for pleading guilty.

But a federal prosecutor argued to U.S. District Judge William Barbour Jr. that Dennis should face a longer sentence because the loss amount should be based on more than the $7,000 bribe Dennis accepted.

The Clarion-Ledger reports Barbour must decide which amount will be used. He delayed Dennis’ sentencing hearing until Jan. 6 to give Dennis’ attorney, Ed. Blackmon Jr., time to prepare arguments against Hurst’s position.