Sewell calls for ‘compassionate release’ of corrupt former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford

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May 6, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford is currently serving a fifteen year federal felony sentence for his part in a massive corruption case that gripped the state’s most populous city a few years ago, but as his health has deteriorated recently, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL7) is renewing a call to allow for his “compassionate release.”

“Justice should be fair, but merciful,” Rep. Sewell said in a press release. “Larry Langford’s health is continuing to deteriorate, and I strongly believe that he should be granted a compassionate release.”

“I wrote a letter in support of his previous request for a reduced sentence that was unfortunately denied,” she continued, “however, this has not deterred me from pressing ahead with this important issue on behalf of Mayor Langford, his family and the greater Birmingham community. I am working with Mayor Langford’s family to arrange a meeting with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Charles Samuels, Jr., and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch in order to advocate for his release.

Just last week, supporters of the former mayor held a small rally in front of a courthouse in the city.

The 67-year-old Langford was recently hospitalized for pneumonia, and has reportedly developed a malignancy as well as blood and respiratory problems.

He is currently being held and treated at the Lexington Federal Medical Center in Kentucky.

“Mayor Langford should be at home with his family,” Rep. Sewell wrote. “He poses no threat to our community, and should be released given his rapidly declining health.”