By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS – A sentencing hearing for former St. John Parish President Bill Hubbard who pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges in September, has been postponed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office so investigators can look into his cooperation with authorities, according to federal court documents released Tuesday.

Hubbard, who resigned from office Sep. 24 and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in New Orleans the next day, was originally given a Dec. 15 sentencing date, but a motion filed by U.S. Attorney Jim Letten’s office asked for a 60-day continuance.

The motion indicates authorities need more time to determine the nature of Hubbard’s cooperation with federal investigators. As part of his plea agreement, Hubbard is obligated to submit to interviews by special agents from the FBI.

Letten’s motion says that the government “will bring to the court’s attention the full extent of the defendants’ cooperation at the time of sentencing.”

Hubbard’s attorney, Donald “Chick” Foret, said a new court date has not been scheduled. He also indicated Hubbard’s cooperation is “continuing,” but would not elaborate further.

Hubbard, 46, pleaded guilty to soliciting $20,000 in bribes, which he used as a down payment on a new Toyota Camry for a woman with whom he had a sexual relationship, from three parish contractors, according to court documents.

In the weeks following Hubbard’s guilty plea, parish officials asked St. John District Attorney Tom Daley to review the four contracts the parish had with the vendors. All four contracts have since been terminated.

Hubbard, who was elected in 2008, left office with more than two years to go in his four-year term.

St. John Parish will hold a special election March 27 to elect a new president to finish out the remainder of Hubbard’s term.