Libby ordered to jail

Washington, D.C.

Former vice presidential aide I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby last week lost his bid to delay his prison sentence until his appeal is heard. Libby was sentenced earlier this month to 30 months in federal prison for obstruction of justice and lying to investigators looking into the outing of former CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson. He argued that his conviction would probably be overturned on appeal and asked to remain free while the process played out. But Judge Reggie Walton, who imposed the sentence, refused Libby’s request, saying there was “overwhelming” evidence of his guilt. Barring a presidential pardon, Libby’s prison term is expected to begin by mid-August.