Judge mulls harsher sentence for Jones

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. prosecutors in White Plains, N.Y., have suggested a sentence of no more than six months in prison for disgraced Olympic track star Marion Jones.

However, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Karas signaled he may impose a tougher sentence on the 2000 Summer Games gold medal winner when he asked the defense and prosecution to advise him on whether he could impose consecutive sentences in the case, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported Thursday.

Court documents do not clarify how long such a sentence might last.

The defense argues that Jones, who pleaded guilty in October to two counts of lying to federal investigators about her steroid use and a check-fraud scheme, should receive probation for the crimes.

Jones was forced to return the five medals she won at the 2000 Games, including three golds, and was barred from track and field for two years as part of her plea.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for Friday.