Black wants delay before serving time

Former House Speaker Jim Black wants an additional six weeks before he must go to federal prison, saying the Federal Bureau of Prisons needs more time to find him a bed.

Black, a Matthews Democrat, asks in court papers filed today to delay his start date until 2 p.m. Sept. 10. It is currently set at 2 p.m. July 30.

His attorneys write that the prison bureau will not have designated a place for him by then -- a typical occurrence in the crowded federal prison system.

They also write that Black should remain free to appear for sentencing in state court and to attend medical appointments.

The lead prosecutor in Black's case has agreed to the delay, Black's attorneys write.

U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle has not ruled on it.

Also today, Black's sentencing in state court was set for the week of July 30. The exact day and time has not been set, said David Sherlin, a Wake County assistant district attorney.

Black, a 72-year-old Matthews optometrist, faces up to 7 1/2 years in prison on two state felony charges -- one that he offered a bribe to another lawmaker in exchange for his support and another for obstruction of justice.

Judge Donald Stephens of Wake Superior Court will determine the sentence under state guidelines.

Black was sentenced in federal court last week to more than five years in prison for accepting illegal payments from chiropractors interested in legislation before the General Assembly. He could serve the federal and state sentences concurrently.

He pleaded guilty to all three charges in February after resigning his House seat, ending a political career that included a record-tying eight years as House speaker.

In state court, he entered what is known as an Alford plea to both corruption charges. Similar to a plea of no contest, an Alford plea allows a defendant to bring an end to an investigation while still maintaining innocence.

Charlotte Observer staff researcher Maria Wygand contributed to this report.