Ex-lawmaker hopes community support will help probation bid
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Dozens of church, community and political leaders are expected to appear in federal court next month to show their support for former State Rep. Joe Armstrong as he makes a bid for probation after filing a false tax return.
The Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/2gHmciq ) reports that Armstrong’s attorney has filed 55 letters of support for the veteran legislator and leader in the black community in the run-up to a January sentencing hearing.
Court filings show Armstrong could be given a 15-month to 41-month sentence.
In August, a jury found Armstrong guilty of filing a false tax return related to his earnings from a cigarette tax stamp deal he made.
Armstrong was a 28-year veteran of the state Legislature and a leader among the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
