Judge won't sentence absent former Ohio official

COLUMBUS (AP) — A federal judge won’t impose a sentence on an ex-Ohio deputy treasurer in the man’s absence.

Authorities say Amer Ahmad fled to Pakistan to avoid prison time, and the government had asked Judge Michael Watson to sentence him in absentia.

Judge Watson rejected that request today by vacating Ahmad’s scheduled Nov. 6 sentencing.

Ahmad pleaded guilty last year to federal bribery and money-laundering charges in an alleged kickback scheme at the Ohio state treasurer’s office.

Federal prosecutors seek a 15-year prison term, saying the long sentence sends a strong message about public corruption.

The government says Ahmad accepted more than $500,000 in bribes in exchange for awarding business to brokerage services.

The 39-year-old Ahmad worked for two Ohio treasurers and later as comptroller under Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.