Ex-N.O. Councilman Seeks Sentencing Delay In Alleged Misuse Of Federal Money

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A former New Orleans city councilman who pleaded guilty to plotting to misuse federal money intended to help a nonprofit organization after Hurricane Katrina is asking a judge to postpone his sentencing.

Jon Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 25. In a court filing Wednesday, Johnson's attorney asked for more time to prepare for the hearing. U.S. District Judge Lance Africk didn't immediately rule on the request.

Johnson faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and to submit false documents.

Prosecutors say Johnson diverted money intended for the Ninth Ward Housing Development Corp., which was based in one of the neighborhoods hardest hit by flooding after the 2005 hurricane.