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Convicted Former Sheriff Seeks Sentencing Delay, New Trial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A former northern New Mexico sheriff convicted in a road rage incident is seeking a delay in his sentencing while he seeks a new trial.

Former Rio Arriba County Sheriff Tommy Rodella is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday on his Sept. 26 convictions for brandishing a firearm and depriving a motorist of his rights during a March incident.

Rodella's lawyers on Friday requested a new trial and cited that request as grounds for postponing the sentencing.

Federal prosecutors oppose both requests.

Rodella faces a mandatory seven years in prison on the firearm count and up to 10 additional years on the rights count.

A federal judge has scheduled a hearing Tuesday in Albuquerque on both requests.

The county commissioners removed Rodella from office in October.