UNITED STATES−GOP operative, political consultant, lobbyist, and advisor to President Donald Trump, Roger Stone, was sentenced on Thursday, February 20. Stone was convicted in November 2019 on seven counts of obstruction, witness tampering, and making false statements to Congress related to charges that stemmed from the Robert Mueller investigation.
Stone’s attorney, Seth Ginsberg indicated there was no real planning or preparation for the obstruction charge that would justify an aggravating enhancement of sentencing guidelines.
U.S. District Court Judge, Amy Berman Jackson an appointee of former President Barack Obama, dismissed charges against Hillary Clinton involving the Benghazi attack in 2012. Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison for lying to investigators during the Trump-Russia election probe. He was ordered to serve 2 years, probation, pay a $20,000 fine, and complete 250 hours community service.
Judge Jackson who would not allow attorneys to argue leniency for Stone to defend himself publicly and stated that the 9 years prison time originally sought by federal prosecutors was “excessive.”
He was held accountable for his actions, with Judge Jackson stating:
“Mr. Stone lied…and interjected himself Smack into a political controversy, and was not prosecuted.”
During the trial, Jackson noted that Stone violated a court order where he was mandated to not speak about the case and he was accused of “intimidating behavior.” An Instagram post showed a picture of Jackson with crosshairs over her head, with the appearance of one seeing through the scope of a gun.
Lead juror in the trail, Tomeka Hart testified she had no bias or specific information about Stone. She previously attacked Stone on Twitter following his arrest.
In a Tweet President Trump stated, “I’d love to see Roger Stone exonerated.”
