By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – A former Jefferson County Commission president is due in federal court in Birmingham to answer charges that she lied to federal grand jurors.
Court documents indicate Mary Buckelew will plead guilty to obstruction of justice during an appearance today (Tuesday). She previously reached a deal with prosecutors to admit her guilt.
Prosecutors say Buckelew lied about receiving $4,000 worth of shoes, a purse and spa treatments during three trips to New York to discuss bond financing. She got those gifts from an investment banker who did business with the county.
Buckelew admits knowing the gifts were meant to influence decisions on financing work on the county's sewer system. Those deals went sour, and the county is now trying to avoid filing the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history.