UPDATE: Attorney gets prison time in bribery scheme that snared State Attorney

JACKSONVILLE, Fla (WCTV) - Former defense attorney Ernest Maloney Page was sentenced Tuesday in a bribery scheme that ultimately led to criminal charges against former State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister.

A U.S. District Court judge in Jacksonville sentenced Page to six months in federal prison followed by 18 months supervision, according to defense attorney David Collins. Collins telling us Page was ordered to report to prison on January 5, 2023.

Page is the first of three people to be sentenced in the federal corruption probe.

A sentencing hearing for former State Attorney Jeffrey Siegmeister and recently convicted defense attorney Marion Michael O’Steen is currently set for October 12th in Jacksonville’s federal court.

Page had his license to practice law in Florida permanently revoked soon after his guilty plea, according to the Florida Bar.

“The community that comprises the Third Circuit - the small towns of Live Oak and Madison - have shown a lot of support for Ernie,” defense attorney David Collins said. He would not comment on whether Page intends to make a statement at the sentencing hearing.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a motion late last week seeking a downward departure in Page’s sentence, citing “substantial assistance” in providing “truthful and timely information” to federal investigators.