Former Mingo County prosecutor Michael Sparks is asking a federal judge for a sentence other than prison time in his corruption case.
According to reports, an attorney for Sparks says an alternative sentence like community service would allow Sparks to teach others about the "perils of political corruption."
Federal prosecutors are asking U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston to give Sparks the maximum sentence of a year in prison. The sentencing is set for Monday in Charleston.
Sparks pleaded guilty in 2013 to depriving campaign sign maker George White of his constitutional rights. Prosecutors say Sparks participated in a scheme to protect the late Sheriff Eugene Crum from accusations that the sheriff bought prescription painkillers from White.
