Both Jim Hayes and his wife, Chris, will be sentenced in U.S. District Court in Fairbanks on Friday.

Prosecutors are recommending he be sentenced to serve between 78 months to 97 months. His lawyer is arguing for a 33-month sentence.

The former three-term mayor was convicted by a federal jury of 16 of the 27 counts he was charged with, including theft and fraud.

The Hayeses are accused of diverting funds from the nonprofit LOVE Social Services, which they helped found. They are accused of using the money to help complete construction of the new Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ where he is pastor, and for personal use.

Chris Hayes pleaded guilty to two felony charges of theft and money laundering. Prosecutors recommend she be sentenced to serve between 57 months to 71 months.

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Information from: David Shurtleff/Alaska Public Radio Network,

www.aprn.org