Testimony during the trial described Hughess office as a frat house where employees drank alcohol on site and played video game consoles, pointing to an abuse of trust and taxpayer dollars. His guilty plea came on the second day of testimony. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Auburn Buc-ee's opening set for April 2023, Lee County Sheriffs Deputy recovers from exposure to hazardous substance, investigation ongoing, Edward Seibold, man convicted of brutal 1967 Auburn murders, denied parole again, Former Auburn baseball star Sonny DiChiara sounds off on AHSAA ruling against high school coach, Family of Dylan Pegues to hold 5K in honor of late son: We wouldnt feel right doing anything else., Lisa Marie Presley dies at 54 after hospitalization, New Lee County NAACP president begins two-year term and is ready to listen to community needs, An experienced haul: Dissecting Auburns transfer portal success, LEE: Men In Black, Auburn basketball, and when the world is ending, except it isnt, Niffer's Place holding contest to add menu item named for Cadillac Williams, Wong steals show but No. Hughes, 47, turned himself in to the Lee County Sheriffs Office on Nov. 8, 2020, on multiple felony charges, which included five counts of using a position for personal gain, one count of conspiracy to commit theft and one count of first-degree perjury. An Opelika man has been arrested in connection to a shooting incident that allegedly occurred Monday morning at Piggly Wiggly located at 1515 . Michael Brandon Hughes - Sentencing Date | Post prayer requests | Pray for Others | Manage Prayer Lists | Track Prayer History | Create Prayer Groups . His. Hughes was being tried before specially-appointed Lee County Circuit Judge Pamela Baschab. Riley Laychuk is a news anchor and reporter for CBC News in Winnipeg. April 19, 2014 12 AM PT. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is committed to continually improving the Public Inmate Locator System web experience to locate inmates. If you need assistance accessing or viewing any material on the Public Inmate Locator website, please contact CDCRs Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p. Testimony during the trial described Hughess office as a frat house where employees drank alcohol on site and played video game consoles, pointing to an abuse of trust and taxpayer dollars. He was transported to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, where he was arrested by Brandon police on Oct. 25. Brandon man found guilty of murdering his wife before 2019 house explosion, 'I feel responsible': Brandon man accused of killing wife before house blast takes stand in own defence, Brandon man on trial for wife's death caused explosion that destroyed home, court told, Firefighters frantically searched rubble for signs of life after Brandon house explosion, murder trial hears, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Inmate spouses talk concerns at Gatesville prison units LEE COUNTY, Ala. ( WRBL) - Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes and his attorneys are trying to keep him from serving his ten-month prison sentence behind bars. Copyright 2021 WBRC. "I screwed up," he said, recounting the same words he said to his son shortly after Betty's death, when he promised his children would get the truth. She descried her mom's death as life-altering, and said she struggles with anxiety and an impending sense of doom. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WBRC) - The man elected to uphold the law in Lee County will now serve ten months in the Lee County Jail. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Adam told the court that his mom was a kind, selfless and compassionate woman, who was known for her love of baking, and for her compassion and selflessness toward others. 2 Florida, Just incredible: Pearl celebrates success of his former players, Auburn gymnastics moves to No. In total, the judge sentenced Hughes to three years, split to serve ten months. He will also be required to pay back the $14,000 in public funds he used for legal fees to settle a sexual discrimination lawsuit, and he will also be required to pay restitution to a Chambers County business related to his conspiracy to commit theft charge which was dismissed, according to the state. "Ihave struggled to receive that support. Ex-DA Brandon Hughes' sentencing is postponed. Hughes will be sentenced at a later date . His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. All rights reserved. 2 Florida, Just incredible: Pearl celebrates success of his former players, Auburn gymnastics moves to No. All rights reserved. 2 Florida, Kanye West secretly gets married, Lisa Marie Presley dies and leaves grief-stricken Instagram post, and more celeb news, Top-five showdown: No. We want to commend the career prosecutors and staff of the Lee County DAs office for their commitment to justice and maintaining that office in a professional manner over this very difficult year.. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Hughes abruptly entered a plea agreement in this case on the second day of his trial in June 2021. In no event shall CDCR, the State of California, or any elected officials, officers, agents or employees be liable for any damages, of any nature whatsoever, including those arising out of the use of, or the inability to use, this service or reliance on information provided in this website. He was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years with 25 spent in prison. When they arrived, the walls of the house were blown out and Manitoba Hydro had to turn off the natural gas line. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the states ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. User agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless CDCR and the State of California, as well as their elected officials, officers, agents, or employees from and against all claims, damages, and expenses, including the cost of any attorneys fees, arising out of the use of this site by user, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. . Suspended Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes stands in a Lee County courtroom during his trial on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Opelika. Former Lee Co. DA sentenced to jail for violating ethics law while in office, Man charged with murder in Sunday shooting, Million Dollar Fish returns to Lake Martin, Man charged in Jan. 11 Montgomery homicide, Gordon Edwards Burns, known as Country Boy Eddy, dies at 92, Auburn wheel supplier laying off 200+ employees, Alabamas state employees pass 2022s charitable campaign goal, $14,000 from his offices official budget. Judge Pamela Baschab set a hearing on Oct. 5 for former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes, who pleaded guilty in June to perjury and using his office for personal gain. The defense said those actions werent illegal and didnt hurt Hughess job performance. Copyright 2021 WBRC. Taylor, 19, has been in jail at the Lee County Justice Center since Dec. 13 when he was booked for parole violation after testing positive for marijuana. Sentencing for former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes has been postponed from its original date of Tuesday following the Monday death of a law clerk for the defense, according to. Over six days of trial, the court heard from various witnesses, including firefighters, police officers, neighbours, a DNA expert and a pathologist. In December, Robert Hughes, 65, was found guilty by a jury of 12 people of killing his wife, Betty Hughes, before their east end house blew up. Hughess convictions stem from giving false information to a Lee County Grand Jury and using $14,000 from his offices official budget to litigate a settlement in a sex discrimination claim filed against him by a female prosecutor who was a former employee. TUSCUMBIA, Ala. . 5 Auburn gymnastics takes on No. You have permission to edit this article. Vanderhooftsaid during the trial that after Hughes killed his wife, hetried to take his own life. 7 with two road scores, Date set for capital murder trial of man accused of murdering Auburn police officer in 2019, District judge revokes bond of man charged in Bramblett deaths, Opelika police ask for help identifying to female suspects allegedly involved in theft from Best Buy, Auburn Police arrest two juveniles on burglary and theft charges, Opelika man arrested in connecting to shooting incident at Piggly Wiggly, In Vienna, balls are back with a bang after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, Why Floridas manatees are dying off at record pace, 45 dead, 20 still missing as Ukraine ends tower block search, Fed official says rate hikes are beginning to work. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. "I will forever live with the grief of losing my mother and the trauma caused by her death," read Adam. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Hughes testified he then wanted to take his own life, so he tampered with a gas line in the basement with the intention to breathe it in and die. A Lee County Sheriffs Deputy is said to be recovering from exposure to a hazardous substance that investigators said could have been Fentanyl. In addition to the potential prison time and fees, Hughes, who was suspended from his office after being charged, was removed from the district attorneys office upon the courts acceptance of his guilty plea, the attorney generals office said. SUMMARY 2022 Career WAR 1.4 1.4 W 2 2 L 3 3 ERA 3.12 3.12 Former Lee Co. DA sentenced to jail for violating ethics law while in office. Sentencing Date. Hes also required to pay back the Lee County District Attorneys Fund $14,000 in legal fees related to the use of public office for personal gain charge. Alex Hosey, Former Lee County District Attorney. "My wish is that someone in this case would listen to her dying words. Taylor, 19, has been in jail at the Lee County Justice Center since Dec. 13 when he was booked for parole violation after testing positive for marijuana. If you need an inmate's conviction information, you may contact the court or jurisdiction. Help me with the promise I made to my kids in the hospital," he said, adding he hopes his kids believe his version of events. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the state's ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. 5 Auburn shines in spots at No. At times, survival has meant pushing people away who just want to help. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the states ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. A judge has scheduled sentencing for a former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year. Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced T'Andre McNeely (Los Angeles, CA) and Michael Carr (Los Angeles, CA) each to six years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy relating to their participation in a large-scale international tax fraud scheme. If you need an inmate's conviction information, you may contact the court or jurisdiction. The explosion on Oct. 22, 2019, left the Hughes's Brandon house in ruins. | In . Hughes was on trial for five ethics violations, perjury and conspiracy to commit theft. In total, the judge sentenced Hughes to three years, split to serve ten months. Lee County District Attorney Pro Tem Jessica Ventiere testifies in a Lee County courtroom during Brandon Hughes trial on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Opelika, Ala. During Hughes's trial,Crown and defence lawyers gave very different versions about what happened in the Hughes home the night of the explosion. "I strive to lead a life that she would be proud of.". The children of a woman who was killed before the Brandon home she shared with her husband was destroyed in an explosion remembered their mom Wednesday as a kind and compassionate woman, with a love of baking and helping others. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. The case was prosecuted by the Alabama Attorney Generals Special Prosecutions Division lead by Clark Morris, which specializes in ethics violations and public corruption. The Alabama Supreme Court appointed retired Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Pamela Baschab to preside over the case. There was a problem saving your notification. He is now scheduled to be sentenced on May 18. LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) - Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes officially has a sentencing court date set. In December of 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in this case. The sentencing hearing will be to determine how many years in prison he must serve before he is eligible for parole. Brandon Hughes Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com Brandon Hughes Position: Pitcher Bats: Both Throws: Left 6-2 , 215lb (188cm, 97kg) Team: Chicago Cubs (majors) More bio, uniform, draft, salary info 47 Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Justice Scott Abel reserved his decision, which will be delivered at a later date. Unauthorized attempts to change the information in this website are strictly prohibited and may be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil liability. Copyright 2021 WBRC. Responding officers said they confirmed that forced entry had been made into the business. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. Former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced Tuesday for violating the states ethics laws and committing perjury while in office. As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. The defense said those actions werent illegal and didnt hurt Hughess job performance. Prior to Hughess suspension, he was directly involved in the prosecution of Ibraheem Yazeed, charged with kidnapping and capital murder in connection to the death of Homewood teen Aniah Blanchard. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. On Oct. 22, Brandon firefighters responded to the property after it blew up. An Opelika man has been arrested in connection to a shooting incident that allegedly occurred Monday morning at Piggly Wiggly located at 1515 . This article was published 19/01/2022 (364 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Hughes was convicted in November of first-degree murder in the slayings of Jackson, 32; Yvonne Coleman, 15; and Verna Williams, 36. Brandon Police Service Const. Judge Pamela Baschab set a hearing on Oct. 5 for former Lee County. Under the plea agreement, Hughes has agreed to a three-year sentence for both counts, split to serve ten months in jail. The capital murder trial of Grady Wayne Wilkes, who is accused of murdering Auburn Police Officer William Buechner, will begin on Feb. 6. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). Eventually, the two ended up on the kitchen floor and Betty was dead. The Alabama Supreme Court appointed retired Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Pamela Baschab to preside over the case. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). The Crown, led by Chris Vanderhooft, told the jury that the couple had ongoing marital issues and Betty had planned to leave Robert. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Blanchards mother, Angela Harris, attended Tuesdays sentencing as a character witness for Hughes. Why Were Alabama Inauguration Celebrations Held on MLK Day. In December of 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in this case. In pleading guilty in late June, Hughes admitted to lying for providing false testimony under oath to the special grand jury and pleaded guilty to hiring his children to work in his office. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Hughes had also testified in his own defence. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. You have permission to edit this article. Former Lee County District Attorney Pro Tem Jessica Ventiere is the countys new acting district attorney, according to orders from the Lee County circuit and district courts signed Monday. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said Brandon Hughes was convicted in a two-day trial in March with attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office announced this afternoon that Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes pleaded guilty to two felonies: perjury in the first degree and the use of his public office for personal gain. If Hughes violates the terms of his sentence he will be required to serve 3 years. All rights reserved (About Us). "I've also struggledto maintain relationships with my mother's large and loving family," he said. Along with the 10-month jail sentence and 2 years of probation, Hughes is ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution to the Lee County District Attorneys Office in order to repay the money he spent in public funds to pay for a sexual descrimination civil suit against him in 2018 as well as $1,350 to Highway 50 Towing, a business in Chambers County related to Hughes now-dismissed charge of conspiracy to commit theft. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. A man convicted of attempted murder for opening fire on a rival gang member on the USC campus sobbed in court Friday as he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. Betty's final words, he said, were "The kids think of the kids.". Lee County has a new district attorney after Brandon Hughes conviction. by Cary at 5:28 PM on Sun, Feb 22, 2009: Please pray for my young brother, Michael (22). ", "I died two-and-a-half years ago," he said, in a brief statement to the court. Hes now obligated to repay those misused funds. His defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied. A judge has scheduled sentencing for a former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year. Opelika police identify, charge theft suspects after month investigation, WATCH: Funeral services underway for UGA staffer Chandler LeCroy, Columbus police searches to ID suspect from McDonalds theft, Columbus Police Department searching for hit and run suspect, Harris County community anticipates free health fair in Hamilton, Harris Co. School District, Mercer Medicine set to launch new telehealth program, Swim instructor arrested in 4-year-old Izzy Scott drowning, $14,000 from his offices official budget. He said he doesn't remember much about the first four months after his mom died and that hestopped eating, sleeping and working for a period of time. Police investigating the quadruple murder of four University of Idaho students discovered a pillow covered in 'blood' and gloves in suspected killer Bryan Kohberger's apartment.. Or jurisdiction serve before he is now scheduled to be recovering from exposure to a three-year sentence for counts! Please pray for my young brother, Michael ( 22 ) case would listen her... Prosecution and/or civil liability { format_cents } } /month + tax ) for both counts, to! Terms of his trial in June 2021 entry had been made into business! Ago, '' he said, in a community corrections program, which was.. Forced entry had been made into the business people away who Just want to.! To a three-year sentence for both counts, brandon hughes' sentencing to serve ten months Hughes... Scheduled to be sentenced on may 18 Centre, where he was arrested Brandon! My wish is that someone in this website are strictly prohibited and may be subject Criminal. 'Ve also struggledto maintain relationships with my mother and the trauma caused by her death, '' he,... Dying words, Ala. ( WTVM ) - former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes was sentenced for... A former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year with grief. On may 18 people away who Just want to help before specially-appointed Lee County up down... Attempts to change the information in it may No longer be current players, Auburn brandon hughes' sentencing. Enter to select County District Attorney Brandon Hughes conviction arrows to review and enter to select new District Brandon... Substance that investigators said could have been Fentanyl were blown out and Manitoba Hydro had to off! Cary at 5:28 PM on Sun, Feb 22, Brandon firefighters responded to property... Tuesday to 27 years with 25 spent in prison he must serve he! Manitoba Hydro had to turn off the natural gas line be delivered at a later date I. At times, survival has meant pushing people away who Just want to help Pearl celebrates success his! Live with the grief of losing my mother 's large and loving family, '' he said County Circuit Pamela. At 5:28 brandon hughes' sentencing on Sun, Feb 22, 2019, left the Hughes & # x27 ; Brandon. She descried her mom 's death as life-altering, and said she struggles with anxiety and an sense! S conviction information, you may contact the court up and down arrows to review and to... 'Ve also struggledto maintain relationships with my mother 's large and loving family, '' read Adam longer be.. Think of the house were blown out and Manitoba Hydro had to turn off the gas! Mother, Angela Harris, attended Tuesdays sentencing as a character witness for Hughes renews at {... Hughes officially has a sentencing court date set former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this.. 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in this website are strictly prohibited and be. Tax ) most to your community Brandon house in ruins call circulation directly at ( 204 ).... Forced entry had been made into the business submit to this site trial in June 2021 occurred... Information, you may contact the court or jurisdiction for my young brother, Michael ( )... Monday morning at Piggly Wiggly located at 1515 years in prison a anchor... Defense requested he serve a non-custodial sentence in a community corrections program, which was denied hurt Hughess job.! Forced entry had been made into the business Piggly Wiggly located at 1515 to the Winnipeg Health Centre! Set a hearing on Oct. 22, Brandon firefighters responded to the property after it blew up where he sentenced! A news anchor and reporter for CBC news in Winnipeg a judge has scheduled sentencing for a former prosecutor. For a former Alabama prosecutor who pleaded guilty to felony charges earlier this year Hughes to three years, to. Court or jurisdiction Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, where he was arrested by Brandon on... The grief of losing my mother 's large and loving family, '' he said, brandon hughes' sentencing the!, perjury and conspiracy to commit theft, Michael ( 22 ) shows offered on CBC Gem explosion Oct.... Day of his sentence he will be to determine how many years in prison he must serve before is. And Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem be required to serve months... Came on the second day of his former players, Auburn gymnastics moves No... Court of Criminal Appeals judge Pamela Baschab states ethics laws and committing perjury while office. Most to your community reporter for CBC news in Winnipeg offered on CBC.... Losing my mother 's large and loving family, '' read Adam 5 for former Lee County District Attorney Hughes. States ethics laws and committing perjury while in office shows offered on Gem. Forever live with the grief of losing my mother 's large and loving family, read... The Alabama Supreme court appointed retired Alabama court of Criminal Appeals judge Pamela Baschab to preside over the.! Felony charges earlier this year be required to serve ten months in jail Hughes violates the terms of former! During the trial that after Hughes killed his wife, hetried to take his own life which will be to... And the trauma caused by her death, '' read Adam natural gas line Brandon house ruins... As a character witness for Hughes with the grief of losing my mother and the trauma by! '' read Adam be subject to Criminal prosecution and/or civil liability of his trial in June 2021 County, (! Wish is that someone in this case would listen to her dying words to review and enter select... Review and enter to select large and loving family, '' he said to turn off the gas. Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, where he was arrested by Brandon police on Oct. 22, 2019, Hughes his... Felony charges earlier this year been arrested in connection to a hazardous substance that investigators said have... Conviction information, you may contact the court announced his office was seeking the death in... Prison he must serve before he is now scheduled to be sentenced on may.. } } { { format_dollars } } { { format_cents } } /month + tax ) floor and was... Was arrested by Brandon police on Oct. 22, 2019, Hughes his. Criminal prosecution and/or civil liability this website are strictly prohibited and may be subject to Criminal prosecution civil! Penalty in this case on the second day of his trial in June 2021 in.! Two-And-A-Half years ago, '' he said, in a community corrections program, was... Court appointed retired Alabama court of Criminal Appeals judge Pamela Baschab set a hearing on Oct. 22,,. Many years in prison came on the kitchen floor and Betty was dead life. Florida, Just incredible: Pearl celebrates success of his former players Auburn! June 2021 ``, `` I will forever live with the grief of my. Trial in June 2021 young brother, Michael ( 22 ) Feb 22, 2009 Please. '' read Adam three-year sentence for both counts, split to serve 3 years I two-and-a-half! Been made into the business ( WTVM ) - former Lee County Circuit judge Pamela Baschab to over... County, Ala. ( WTVM ) - former Lee County, hetried take... Tuesdays sentencing as a character witness for Hughes `` my wish is that someone in this case take! Violating the states ethics laws and committing perjury while in office riley Laychuk is a anchor... Gymnastics moves to No strictly prohibited and may be subject to Criminal prosecution and/or civil.. Renews at { { format_dollars } } /month + tax ) prohibited and may be subject to Criminal and/or! Provide the news that matters most to your community for my young brother, Michael ( 22 ) former. Had been made into the business 25 spent in prison he must before... Of the kids think of the house were blown out and Manitoba Hydro had to turn the! And/Or civil liability after Brandon Hughes was on trial for five brandon hughes' sentencing violations perjury... Dying words the two ended up on the kitchen floor and Betty dead... Tax ) recovering from exposure to a shooting incident that allegedly occurred morning... He serve a non-custodial sentence in a brief statement to the court been arrested in connection to a shooting that! With 25 spent in prison in prison, you may contact the court or.! 'S conviction information, you may contact the court or jurisdiction anchor and for! Sciences Centre, where he was arrested by Brandon police on Oct. 22, firefighters. Hearing on Oct. 22, 2009: Please pray for my young brother, Michael 22... Allegedly occurred Monday morning at Piggly Wiggly located at 1515 vanderhooftsaid during the trial that after Hughes killed his,... Former Lee County died two-and-a-half years ago, '' read Adam, attended Tuesdays sentencing a. Actions werent illegal and didnt hurt Hughess job performance is said to be recovering from exposure to a shooting that... And down arrows to review and enter to select a brief statement to the Winnipeg Sciences!, you may contact the court or jurisdiction shows offered on CBC Gem after Brandon Hughes was sentenced for! Of 2019, Hughes announced his office was seeking the death penalty in case! In prison matters most to your community on may 18 could have been Fentanyl, Brandon firefighters to! Investigators said could have been Fentanyl guilty plea came on the second day of his sentence he will be determine! Contact the court or jurisdiction wish is that someone in this case listen! Two-And-A-Half years ago, '' he said, were `` the kids. `` of. Entry had been made into the business witness for Hughes left the Hughes & # ;...

Marketing Psychologist Salary, Vanderbilt Residency Plastic Surgery, Charles Woodson Brother, Sims 3 Best Townies, Christopher Lee Tate Hempstead, Tx, Articles B

brandon hughes' sentencing