A former Mingo County Circuit Judge who pleaded guilty in a
corruption case is expected to learn his fate on Monday.
Michael Thornsbury is scheduled to be
sentenced on Monday, June 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Charleston
Last year, Thornsbury pleaded guilty to
a scheme to protect former Sheriff Eugene Crum. Crum is accused of being
involved in a drug buy from a local sign maker.
Crum was never charged with a crime.
Last year he was shot and killed outside the Mingo County Courthouse.
As part of Thornsbury's plea, he
resigned as circuit court judge. His law license was also taken away. Under the
agreement, Thornsbury can not ask for it back at least for five years.
Thornsbury faces up to ten years in
prison when he is sentenced.
In a sentencing memorandum filed
Monday, federal prosecutors recommend a "very substantial term of
imprisonment."
However, Thornsbury's attorney says his
cooperation with federal prosecutors and his passion for community service
should be considered in his sentencing.
Thornsbury is asking for a lessen
sentence and that he serves his time at either FPC Pensacola or FPC Montgomery.
Both are minimum security prisons.
Thornsbury sentencing has been delayed
a few times. Prosecutors asked for the delay because they needed more time to
investigate information he has provided in a corruption investigation.
