KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Attorneys for a former Knoxville trial court judge and the federal government have filed final briefs as a court prepares to sentence him.
Richard Baumgartner was convicted on five counts in October of lying to judicial officers to cover up his mistress' involvement in a drug conspiracy.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/ZKlkrc ), both sides agree a term of 24 months is appropriate punishment for Baumgartner, who also pleaded guilty in state court to official misconduct.
The lawyers differ on whether Baumgartner should go to prison or be placed on probation.
The state has granted new trials to a half-dozen defendants after Baumgartner admitted he was buying prescription pain pills from a felon on probation.
A federal judge will sentence Baumgartner April 10.
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Information from: Knoxville News Sentinel, http://www.knoxnews.com
