Posted on 10/18/2008 11:35:12 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Julie Lee, the Sunset District community organizer and political fundraiser who illegally funneled state grant money into a campaign account of former California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley, was sentenced Friday to five years of probation for state crimes that included grand theft, embezzlement and forgery.
Lee pleaded guilty to the state charges in July, just days after being convicted of similar federal crimes. Last month, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton sentenced Lee to a year and a day behind bars and denied a request from Lee's attorneys that she be sentenced to probation and house arrest.
On Friday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charlotte Woolard said she granted Lee probation because of the outpouring of public support she received from community members who said Lee helped them get a job, buy a house, learn English and otherwise become part of the community.
"I would have sentenced Ms. Lee to state prison but for the letters of support for what she did in the community," Woolard said from the bench. "What she did was egregious and terrible, but in the interests of justice and given her lack of a criminal record, probation is appropriate."
Karlton said last month that the federal prison term ensures "that people believe serious consequences will follow" Lee's crimes, which he said compromised the democratic process.
The Chronicle's 2004 reporting on Lee's fundraising improprieties led to state and federal investigations, brought Shelley's rising political career to a halt and shook San Francisco's political establishment.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
What a country!
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Karlton, Lawrence K. Born 1935 in Brooklyn, NY
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U. S. District Court, Eastern District of California
Nominated by Jimmy Carter on June 5, 1979, to a seat vacated by Thomas J. MacBride;
Confirmed by the Senate on July 23, 1979, and received commission on July 24, 1979.
Served as chief judge, 1983-1990. Assumed senior status on May 28, 2000.
Education: Columbia Law School, J.D., 1958
Professional Career:
U.S. Army, 1958-1960
Civilian legal officer, Sacramento Army Depot, 1960-1962 Private practice, Sacramento, California, 1962-1976 Judge, Superior Court of California, Sacramento County, 1976-1979
Race or Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Lee pleaded guilty to the state charges in July, just days after being convicted of similar federal crimes. Last month, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton sentenced Lee to a year and a day behind bars and denied a request from Lee’s attorneys that she be sentenced to probation and house arrest.
On Friday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charlotte Woolard said she granted Lee probation because of the outpouring of public support she received from community members who said Lee helped them get a job, buy a house, learn English and otherwise become part of the community.
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To be Fair.. The Fed Judge did impose a little jail time,
T’was the Superior Court bleeding heart Judge said , “Hey , She’s such a great gal and look at all she has done for the community.”
What's wrong with that picture?
And since when is this part of the sentencing guidelines? Sheesh! Now any propaganda campaign can let the Rats off the hook?
Free Mumia! /s
Even the Jimmy Carter appointed Fed judge said a little pokey time is in order..
When will Shmelley get his day in court?
He skated. Dems are born innocent and can do no wrong.
Let's hope that doesn't apply to Perata.
You see the ap piece that the FBI doesn’t have enough resources to pursue all the investigations due to the financial crisis and all the dirty dealings..
The Dems are using a “swarm” appraoch.
so much corruption, there aren’t enough folks to investigate it all.
Kinda like... so many criminals, not enough room in the prisons so we gotta let ‘em out.
Government is failing at their basic responsibilities. But they can preserve the spotted owl and save us from changing weather.
Sad.
they can preserve the spotted owl and save us from changing weather.
..
Maybe we need to grow feathers and thinner skin.
I guess they’ll consider taking better care of us if we did.
Not sure about the feathers but thicker skin is an asset in fighting these #^$%^&@*s!
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