Judge sentences Tom DeLay to 3 years in prison

AUSTIN, Texas — A judge has ordered former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to serve three years in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.

The sentence comes after a jury in November convicted DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. DeLay was once one of the most powerful men in U.S. politics, ascending to the No. 2 job in the House of Representatives.

The former Houston-area congressman was immediately taken into custody. However, he was expected to be released pending appeal after his processing at county jail.

Before sentencing, DeLay told the judge he never intended to break the law and that he couldn't be remorseful for something he didn't think he'd done.

AUSTIN, Texas — A judge has ordered former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay to serve three years in prison for his role in a scheme to illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.

The sentence comes after a jury in November convicted DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. DeLay was once one of the most powerful men in U.S. politics, ascending to the No. 2 job in the House of Representatives.

The former Houston-area congressman was immediately taken into custody. However, he was expected to be released pending appeal after his processing at county jail.

Before sentencing, DeLay told the judge he never intended to break the law and that he couldn't be remorseful for something he didn't think he'd done.