13-year prison sentence for not testifying

An uncooperative witness in a 2007 murder case has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for refusing to testify during the trial.

Cook County Circuit Judge Dennis Dernbach on Wednesday sentenced 22-year-old Jeremy House to prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of direct criminal contempt.

House refused to testify in the case involving his half brother Steven Hebron, who was charged with the 2004 murder of Keith Tiggs. Hebron was found not guilty in September 2008.

Defense attorney David Bickel said House agreed to the 13-year sentence, which prosecutors say is the longest ever handed down for a contempt charge.

Assistant State's Attorney Michael Golden said House deserved the stiff prison term, adding a price must be paid for refusing to testify in a gang murder case.