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Former Garfield County Public Defender Sentenced for Extortion

A former Garfield County Public Defender was sentenced to 90 days in jail for getting indigent clients to pay him even though he'd already been compensated by the state.

Sixth District Judge James Taylor on Friday also ordered John Hummel to perform 50 hours of community service and to pay restitution to victims.

A jury in February convicted the 54-year-old Hummel on four felony counts of theft by extortion and one felony count of attempted theft by extortion.

Hummel was accused of using his influence to get money and items from at least seven clients he already was paid by the state to defend.

Among other things, court documents show he received seven firearms, two televisions, two computers, an iPOD, a video camera and more than $11,000 in cash.