Outside the drab surroundings of the Diersen Charities half-way facility there was no red carpet rolled out for his arrival. Across the street at his brother’s funeral home there was no joyous welcome sign posted on the marquee. But, for the first time in four years, former Memphis State Senator, John Ford, right now is content to be tantalizing closer to completely returning home.
“I was just talking to my daughter. She’s at the University of Pennsylvania and she was just giving me all her love,” Ford said. “It’s been an incredible bad experience. But, I do not look back. I look forward.”
Since entering prison in 2008, the now 70-year old former legislative powerhouse, has had plenty of time to mull over a shattered career. The key figure in the Tennessee Waltz extortion scandal was convicted of taking more than 50-thousand dollars in cash from undercover agents posing as businessmen in return for his legislative influence. Of the dozen others netted in the FBI-led sting operation Ford is the last to be released to a half-way house. His five-year sentence formally expires next February. Yet, after being released from a federal prison in Yazoo, Mississippi, the horde of media who met him at the gate to the half way facility, seemed to surprise and energize him. Peppered with questions about his future plans, Ford flashed his trademark bravado which had once propelled him to power in Nashville.
“All I can say is it’s a minor setback for a great comeback. You watch and see much better than ever. I have a story to tell. We don’t have the time,” Ford said.
Soon security at the facility started to descend on Ford and the impromptu media gathering. While Ford isn’t suppose to have visitors including family for awhile, his sister Joyce Ford Miller, accompanied him on his trip from prison. But, just before he was escorted to the facility, Ford once again more than hinted his best days might still lie ahead.
“You watch what I do. I am not down. I am not out. I’m way out in front,” Ford said.
John Ford didn’t need a brass band to greet him…To him….he IS already home.
Read more: http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/story/19321501/ex-state-senator-john-ford-released-from-prison#ixzz249DVNT35
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