Whistleblowers Want Tough Sentence for Scott Bloch

[Hissyspit]

Source: Legal Times

JULY 19, 2010
Whistleblowers Want Tough Sentence for Scott Bloch

Whistleblower groups and some former employees of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel want more than probation for Scott Bloch, a former head of the office who is scheduled to be sentenced Friday after a long-running criminal investigation.

In a six-page letter to U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson, lawyers for the whistleblower groups and former employees describe Bloch’s stormy tenure from 2004 to 2008. They note allegations that Bloch discriminated against gay and lesbian employees, that he retaliated against employees who tried to draw attention to his actions, and that he interfered with federal investigators when he hired “Geeks on Call” to wipe out computer files.

As the independent U.S. special counsel, Bloch was one of the federal government’s top lawyers for investigating waste, fraud and abuse, and for protecting whistleblowers. In April, Bloch pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of withholding information from Congress, and he’ll be sentenced by Robinson. He faces up to six months in prison, but this month, lawyers for the U.S. Justice Department said they would not oppose probation.

Though it does not call explicitly for prison time, the letter on behalf of whistleblowers says probation wouldn’t be strong enough. “On behalf of the victims of Mr. Bloch’s unlawful conduct, we urge the Court to award a sentence that appropriately reflects the severe, long-lasting, and broad impact of his actions,” reads the letter (PDF).

Read more: http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2010/07/whistleblowers-want-tough-sentence-for-scott-bloch.html

[Ozymanithrax]

1. He had a high position and abused his power.

He should go to jail.

[earcandle]

2. American Justice system. Does it work? Actually or selectively and For whom?

[ThomCat]

4. That is a damned good question.

I think we all know the answer though.

If you are at the bottom of the social pile Justice is actively biased against you, disbelieving you, harshly punishing you, and actively trying to criminalize you at every turn.

If you are at the top of the social pile then Justice as actively biased in your favor, protecting you, giving you every opportunity to avoid being criminalized, and not wanting to punish you in any way.

[earcandle]

5. True Dat! We need to take our money back They don't deserve it, methinks.

How do we remove judges?  

[glitch]

3. THIS guy they won't oppose probation, but Siegelman? and Stewart gets screwed.

Where's that mop?

[xchrom]

6. another case to see if Justice is blind. nt

[Blue Owl]

7. Another Bu$h Crony

Throw the book at him.