Former Bush official is sentenced to one year in prison

[The Straight Story]

Former Bush official is sentenced to one year in prison


David Safavian, the former head of federal procurement policy during the Bush administration, was sentenced on Friday to 12 months and one day in prison for lying about his dealings with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He will be on supervised probation for 24 months after his release from prison.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman, however, ruled that Safavian would not have to surrender to authorities until after his pregnant wife, Jennifer, gives birth. It is not clear when she is due to give birth.

Prosecutors had been asking for a prison sentence of 15 to 21 months.

Friedman appeared moved by the emotional speeches from David and Jennifer Safavian, in which the couple pleaded for mercy and urged the judge to consider the toll that the lengthy case -- which has spanned two trials and an appeal -- has had on their family, including their 6-year-old daughter.

"Please give our daughter and unborn child an opportunity to have a father in their life," Jennifer Safavian asked Friedman before the sentence was handed down.

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=43822&dcn=todaysnews

[NYC_SKP]

1. I'd like to see monetary damages, too, but it looks like he's worthless.

Defense attorney Richard Sauber said his client had suffered more than enough already without enduring prison. Safavian is bankrupt, will lose his law license and never will be able to work or contract for the government again, he said.

[sandnsea]

2. Too bad he wasn't caught with a joint

Then he'd get the time he really deserves.

[Botany]

3. did you hear about ACORN?

i wonder how many millions this cost the U.S.?