by Howard Lestrud
ECM Online Managing Editor

A sentencing date for former State Rep. Loren Jennings, 54, of Harris, has not been set, according to his attorneys Douglas A. Kelley and Steve Wolter. The pre-sentence investigation process should be nearing an end, the attorneys said.

Jennings was convicted last July 26 of two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.

Jennings was acquitted on four other counts including conspiracy charges to commit mail fraud and to commit money laundering.
The state lawmaker for 18 years, was accused of using his office to financially benefit a firm in which he had a financial investment. Jennings, 54, of Harris, was defeated in a re-election bid in 2002. He ran as a Democrat each of his nine terms and several times, ran successfully in a primary after losing his partyís endorsement.

During his time as a legislator, Jennings served as chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, which deals with utility issues. He became known for advocating expanded nuclear waste storage at the Prairie Island nuclear power plant. He and the then senator from his district, the late Sen. Janet Johnson, were at opposite sides of the spectrum on this issue.

Jennings was accused of using his position in the House to pass legislation that made it possible for ratepayersí conservation funds to be spent on a utility pole recycling company, Northern Pole Inc. Jenningsí companies loaned about $670,000 to Northern Pole. Jenningsí lobbying of Minnesota Power and Northern States Power Co. (now Xcel Energy) resulted in payments of $650,000 to Northern Pole from conservation funds. More than $284,000 was said to have made payments on Jenningsí loans.

Jennings faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both on each count of mail fraud, and up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both on the money laundering charge.

Attorney Wolter said Jenningsí legal team is optimistic that U.S. District Court Judge Richard Kyle will not give a sentence along the guidelines established by the government.

Kelley and Wolter said that an appeal of the conviction will be filed within seven days of sentencing.

After an appeal is filed, it could take nine months or longer to hear the appeal, said Kelley.

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