(AP) — Former St. Gabriel mayor George Grace has been jailed after his conviction on racketeering and other charges resulting from an FBI sting called “Operation Blighted Officials.” Prosecutors said he might flee to Uganda, where he owns land, before his sentencing July 2.
Grace was convicted Saturday evening on seven of 13 felony charges, including bribery, fraud and obstruction of justice.
Grace is the sixth Baton Rouge-area official convicted in the sting. Former White Castle Mayor Maurice Brown is serving 10 years and former New Roads Mayor Tommy Nelson is serving an 11-year term. Former Port Allen Mayor Derek Lewis, former Port Allen Police Chief Fred Smith and former Port Allen Councilman Johnny Johnson Sr. have yet to be sentenced.
White Castle Police Chief Mario Brown was acquitted.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.