Former Dallas council member Don Hill, who was described as "the kingpin" of a city hall corruption scandal, is asking for a new trial.
Hill hopes an appeals court in New Orleans will give him a second chance at freedom.
Throughout the 2009 trial, Hill denied any wrongdoing during his time at Dallas City Hall. Hill's attorney filed for an appeal right after his conviction, saying jurors didn't get to hear all the evidence.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans will have a hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday to decide whether to take the case.
Hill has been serving an 18 year prison sentence since a jury found him guilty of a bribery and extortion scheme while he was in office. The scheme gave Hill hundreds of thousands of dollars from developers in bribes to help get approvals for low-incoming housing projects.
Federal agents raided Hill’s home and office and tapped his phone. Jurors heard hours of conversations between Hill and then mistress – now wife – Sheila Farrington Hill talking about how he needed money.
Sheila Farrington Hill was also involved in the scheme, and is serving nine years for helping to launder money.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Both have defended their innocence.
"I know in my heart, we didn't have a corrupt intent," Don Hill said on Oct. 5, 2009. "That's why you're not going to see tears or anger or bitterness."
"My husband and I are innocent, we're not guilty of what we're being charged of," Sheila Farrington Hill said in Oct. 2009. "To have a guilty verdict is not justice being served."
The appeal includes Hill, his wife, and former Dallas Plan Commissioner D'Angelo Lee. The hearing is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Previous Coverage:
- Last Dallas Corruption Defendants Sentenced
- DOJ Statement on Dallas City Hall Corruption Case
- Developers Sentenced in City Hall Scandal
- Builder Found Guilty in Dallas City Hall Corruption Case
- Hill Gets Extra 30 Days in Prison
- 2 More Sentenced in Dallas Corruption Trial
- Hill Sentenced to 18 Years in Corruption Scandal
- Judge Hears Contempt Charges Against Don Hill, Attorney
- VIDEO Former Councilman Don Hill Back in Court
- City Hall Corruption Case Sentencing Set
- Judge Denies New Trial In Dallas City Hall Corruption Case
- Taxpayers' City Hall Corruption Trial Bill: $750,000
- Hill Plans Appeal in Corruption Trial Verdict
- Deliberation Begins in Don Hill Trial