Sentencing for former State Rep. Loren Jennings of Harris has been set before U.S. District Court Judge Richard Kyle at 8:30 a.m. Monday, March 6, in St. Paul. Jennings was convicted last July 26 of two counts of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. He was acquitted on four other counts including conspiracy charges to commit mail fraud and 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 was defeated in a re-election bid in 2002. During his time as a DFL legislator, Jennings served as chair 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 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. His 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.

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Forest Lake Times
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