![Former WorldCom CEO petitions for reduced sentence](https://www.jurist.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/jurist-white-text.png)
[JURIST] Lawyers for former WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers [Wikipedia profile] filed a motion Friday asking for a lesser sentence for his fraud conviction [JURIST report] in March. The motion included support from Ebbers' family members, friends, and former employees in over 150 letters outlining his character and his many charitable gifts to organizations such as the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board and his alma mater Mississippi College. Ebbers' attorneys also requested that his heart-related medical condition be a factor in the sentencing decision. According to the federal sentencing guidelines [manuals and amendments, PDF], Ebbers may be facing up to 85 years in prison, although the Supreme Court recently ruled that the guidelines are not mandatory [JURIST report]. Ebbers' sentencing is expected on take place on July 13. The Clarion-Ledger has more.