By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Citing continued cooperation with investigators, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Monday the sentencing date for former St. John Parish President Bill Hubbard has been postponed again.

Hubbard, 46, pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges in September in connection with a plot to take bribes from three parish contractors. His original sentencing date of Dec. 15 has been continued twice so authorities can determine the nature of Hubbard’s cooperation with federal investigators. Hubbard will now face judgment on April 13 at the U.S. District Court in New Orleans.

In December, less than two weeks prior to the original sentencing date, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten’s office asked for a 60-day continuance, and a new trial date was set for February.

Hubbard, who resigned from office on Sept. 23, pleaded guilty to soliciting $20,000 in bribes from three parish contractors, according to court documents. He then used the money as a down payment on a new Toyota Camry for a woman with whom he had a sexual relationship.

As part of his plea agreement, Hubbard is obligated to submit to interviews by special agents from the FBI. Hubbard’s attorney, Donald “Chick” Foret, said previously Hubbard’s cooperation is “continuing” but would not elaborate further.