What a tax evader sentenced by Judge Chutkan means for Donald Trump

[Eugene]

Source: Politico

What a tax evader sentenced by Judge Chutkan means for Donald Trump

The two defendants have one important thing in common: their advanced age.

By KYLE CHENEY
03/01/2024 03:56 PM EST

If Donald Trump ever faces sentencing in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan for his bid to subvert the 2020 election, he may want to study the case of Stephen Schechter.

Schechter, an investment banker, appeared before Chutkan on Friday to be sentenced after pleading guilty to concealing $5.1 million from the IRS that he had stashed overseas.

On paper, the cases have little in common. Trump, a former president, is charged with conspiring to disenfranchise millions of voters and coerce government officials to throw out the lawful results of the election he lost. Schechter, a relatively anonymous businessman, hid the proceeds of an overseas real estate transaction from the IRS.


But Schechter, like Trump, is in his late 70s. And Chutkan dwelled extensively Friday on his advanced age when determining his sentence. She described an extreme reluctance to sending the 79-year-old to prison — particularly one she said was in “frail health” — even as she wrestled with the need to punish a white collar criminal and show that there are “rules that apply to everyone.”

“I don’t view this as a victimless crime,” Chutkan said.

-snip-

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/01/judge-chutkan-donald-trump-tax-evasion-00144486

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Schechter got 7 days, as giving him some time was a message that had to be sent.
While Judge Chutkan has been tough with some January 6 defendants,
she has shown compassion in several of the cases.

[jimfields33]

1. 7 days for 5 million?

I’m actually speechless.

[Orrex]

5. Now, now

It’s not as though he pulled a $500 food stamp scam or stole a pair of sneakers. Those are real crimes demanding real sentences.

[riversedge]

7. Chutkan let his prison term be light because of he "fessed up" took steps to right his wrong, etc........

I do not see her going light with Trump--of course Trump could suddenly develop a conscious?? ha ha.


...........Federal judges are required to consider, and publicly describe, several factors when they impose a sentence. Among them: the seriousness of the crime, the life circumstances and criminal history of the defendant and the need to deter others from committing similar crimes. Judges often receive recommendations from prosecutors, defense attorneys and probation officers, which tend to guide the final sentence, but they often have discretion to deviate from those recommendations.

In light of the delays caused by the Supreme Court’s review of the immunity issue, Trump is unlikely to stand trial in the federal election case until late summer or this fall, at the earliest. By that point, he will be 78 years old, and if convicted would be approaching his 79th birthday at the time of sentencing.

To be sure, Chutkan’s relatively light touch with Schechter was not limited to his age. She noted that aside from the crime he confessed to, he had lived “an exemplary life.” He expressed remorse for his actions, immediately “fessed up” when confronted by the IRS and took steps to right the wrong he committed. She also cited the care he provides for his 79-year-old wife, his history of military service and the impending birth of his fourth grandchild.

His grandchildren, she said, “are going to be looking to see how you live your life after this.”

[3Hotdogs]

8. The difference between the two felons --- one is in poor heath. Trump's health is the bestest of any

president who has ever been president.

Maybe 20 days if Trump is convicted?

[Scrivener7]

2. This isn't good.

[magicarpet]

3. Seven fucking days ?

Are you shitting me ?

He won't even finish unpacking his suitcase upon arrival at jail before it is time to skedaddle and go back home.

[Orrex]

4. I can imagine Trump's sentence

Likely a firm but polite and non-binding request that he stop insurrectioning for at least one week, and that he try not to steal any elections during that time.

[Irish_Dem]

6. Why do I feel like the fix is in for Trump across the board?

The judiciary cannot hold him accountable.

Maybe Engoron will be the exception.
But Trump has not paid one penny yet.

[Midnight Writer]

9. Personally, I predict TFG will never spend a night in jail.

The worst possible sentence will be some kind of "home confinement" at one of his resorts.