Calls for the release of Larry Langford, the former mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, appear to be going unanswered.

Langford was imprisoned in 2009 on 60 bribery and public corruption charges. He was sentenced to 15 years and is currently being held in a federal prison in Kentucky. Recently, his health has taken a turn for the worse, leading his allies and family members to request he be released from prison early.

According to AL.com, the Federal Bureau of Prisons acknowledged Langford is a very sick man, but its officials believe an early release would "minimize the severity of his offense and pose a danger to the safety of the community.”

The former mayor reportedly suffers from many ailments, including pulmonary disease, emphysema, hypertension, plantar fascial fibromatosis, hearing loss and anemia. According to his lawyer, his health has deteriorated so much that a priest spent Christmas Day with him to give Langford his last rites.

With his family reportedly en route to his prison, many of Langford's colleagues are requesting he be given what is known as a compassionate release so he can die at home.

U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) asked President Trump to pardon Langford formally, WBMA reports.

“During this season of hope, I am calling on the Trump Administration to act with compassion and immediately reduce Mayor Langford’s sentence due to his deteriorating health,” Sewell said. “Justice should be fair but also merciful. Mayor Larry Langford has served over eight years in federal prison and should spend his final days surrounded by family in Birmingham, Alabama.”

Sewell made similar requests in 2015 and 2016 while President Obama was in office.

In 2017, former Birmingham mayor and Langford rival William Bell also called on President Trump and then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to release the disgraced politician.

In his letter to the men, Bell wrote the idea of a “compassionate release” was created for situations like Langford’s, stating: "I ask that you please seriously consider Mayor Langford's release at this time and allow him the privilege of spending time in the care of his family and loved ones."

Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.

Check these out:

Update: Parole denied for KKK member convicted of killing 4 girls in 1963 church bombing

Black Alabama Residents Are 'Literally Being Poisoned' By Raw Sewage

Rep. Terri Sewell And The CBC Are Wondering What's Up With The DOE's HBCU Grant Cuts

Terri Sewell

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week