ATLANTA (AP) Former Mayor Bill Campbell was acquitted today of lining his pockets with payoffs while guiding Atlanta through a period of explosive growth that helped secure its place during the 1990s as a world-class city. However, the jury did find him guilty of three counts of tax evasion.

The 52-year-old Campbell could get up to nine years in prison and 300-thousand dollars in fines. However, legal experts have said its doubtful he would get the maximum sentence in this case. The judge didn't immediately set a sentencing date.

The federal jury took a day and a half to find Campbell not guilty of racketeering and bribery after a seven-week trial that put his womanizing and his high-rolling, jet-setting ways on display with his wife sitting dutifully in the courtroom for most of the proceedings.

Campbell sat stone-faced as the verdict was read.

Afterwards, Campbell spoke outside the courthouse, saying -- quote -- ``I obviously have great regrets that the jury found me guilty of anything. ... I know that I'm innocent.''

Campbell described the tax charges as ``fairly minor,'' saying they were tied to his income from speeches and public appearances. He said he has always admitted that he kept poor records of that income.

He stressed that he was vindicated of the ``substance'' of the trial.

Campbell said -- quote -- ``I'm satisfied, to a degree, that my honor was restored.''

Campbell, who served two terms as mayor from 1994 to 2002, was indicted two years after leaving office, snared in a federal corruption probe that has led to the convictions of ten other former city officials and contractors.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)