jail

Paul Violette's lawyer says the longtime head of the Maine Turnpike is prepared to plead guilty to charges by the state attorney-general of thievery amounting to some $10,000 so long as the state doesn't ask for more than five years in jail - an eight year sentence with five years to be served. The charges carry a maximum of ten years served in jail.

His lawyer says he wants to "get this behind him."

The legal soap opera over the Ambassador Bridge Gateway project in Detroit goes on. After about 30 hours in the Wayne County lockup for supposed contempt of court Manuel 'Matty' Moroun, 84, head of the bridge-owning family, and bridge company president Dan Stamper, 62, are being released this evening pending hearing of appeals February 2.

Two former toll collectors at the New Jersey Turnpike got sentenced to 364 days in county jail plus several years probation for working a racket with toll tickets.

Dan Stamper president of the Ambassador Bridge company has been ordered to personally attend a Wayne County Circuit Court hearing July 7 for a possible contempt of court sentence. Stamper was jailed briefly in January, but could be put behind bars longer this time.  Heavy fines are also possible.

Ambassador Bridge company president, Dan Stamper was taken away in handcuffs to jail this morning - on charges of contempt of court. This afternoon, after six hours in custody Stamper was released from jail, after reports of  the beginning of compliance with court orders. (UPDATED 17:30)

Guvs 2, Tollway 1