DEEP WATER FOR JIM BROWN

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 31, 2001, on federal charges stemming from the Cascade Insurance corruption case.

Brown, Former Gov. Edwin Edwards and Shreveport, La., attorney Ron Weems were accused of conspiring to arrange a sweetheart deal for Cascade and its owner, Dallas businessman David Disiere. Brown was the only defendant convicted. He was tried on several counts of fraud and conspiracy and was convicted on seven counts of lying to federal agents. Brown is the third consecutive insurance commissioner in Louisiana to be convicted on corruption charges.