Nation IN BRIEF : GEORGIA : Ex-Official Guilty of Fraud and Bribery

A former Atlanta aviation commissioner and city councilman was convicted of using his influence to win lucrative deals for businesses at the city’s airport, in which he had secret interests. A jury deliberated for six hours before convicting Ira Jackson on 83 counts of mail fraud, 43 counts of accepting bribes and four counts of tax evasion. He was acquitted of one tax evasion count. Sentencing is set for April 16. Jackson faces up to 857 years in prison and a fine of $32.5 million. Assistant U.S. Atty. Sally Yates said she was surprised by the quick verdict but “very pleased.” Neither Jackson nor his attorney, Tony Axam, would comment to reporters as they left the courthouse.