Congressman files paperwork naming lawyer for sentencing

CLEVELAND -- U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. filed the required paperwork with the U.S. District Court stating that Cleveland attorney Richard E. Hackerd will represent him at his July 30 sentencing.
Judge Lesley Brooks Wells had told Traficant, a Poland Democrat convicted of 10 felony counts including bribery and racketeering in April, that if he was going to use the services of Hackerd, he had to let her know in a motion no later than Thursday.
Hackerd had filed papers on behalf of Traficant earlier this month, but the congressman, who defended himself during his trial, did not formally acknowledge the representation until Thursday.
In a motion filed by Hackerd, Traficant signed a confirmation of representation saying he hired Hackerd to represent him at the sentencing hearing and for seeking bail pending an appeal.