Derrick Shepherd, who tried unsuccessfully to unseat Rep. William Jefferson in the last election, could be off to prison. But he could have some info for the feds that could mean more trouble for indicted Rep. William J. Jefferson.

Sen. Shepherd/senate photo

By Paul Rioux
New Orleans Times-Picayune
NEW ORLEANS — Derrick Shepherd pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering this morning in federal court, a sharp turnaround for a feisty and defiant public official who last year accused the government of pursuing an indictment against him after he refused to give them dirt on other elected officials.
The Marrero Democrat also resigned his Senate seat and agreed to cooperate with authorities.
A humbled and apologetic Shepherd stood with his hands tightly clasped behind his back. He could get up to 20 years in federal prison.
“I hope I have a chance to make it right,” he told U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier.
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Read Shepherd Plea Agreement

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