Posted on 08/06/2010 12:34:27 PM PDT by Born Conservative
UPDATED 2:40
Former Luzerne County commissioner Greg Skrepenak said he was surprised a federal judge sentenced him to 24 months in prison.
"I'm not too happy about the sentence. I think it's pretty severe. But it's what the judge thought. It's what the people wanted. I can accept that, God willing, and will move on," Skrepenak said, speaking outside the federal courthouse in Scranton.
Skrepenak said the care of his children is his main concern because some of his family members are getting older with health ailments. He said he is considering appealing the sentence. If not, he said he hopes to be placed in a prison close enough to allow him to see his children regularly.
The former Luzerne County commissioner said this "has been the darkest hour of my life."
"I made some mistakes. Obviously I'm going to pay for those mistakes. But I'm happy about today in that I can move on with the rest of my life," he said.
He lashed out against politics in general, saying people "constantly" push to obtain contracts and other government work.
"Rather than fight for the greater good, next thing you know, you're fighting each other privately and publicly, and nothing gets done. I'm glad to be out of that arena," he said.
He said his experience getting tangled in the corruption probe has allowed him to "reinvent the person I am."
"My best days are best to come, and I look forward to those days."
He said he forgives everyone who "wronged" and "betrayed" him.
"I would hope someday that the good people of Luzerne County will forgive me as well."
Skrepenak said there are a lot of angry people.
"It's tough to see the hate right now directed at me, and I understand. There's no one more disappointed in myself right now than me, but I have to move on, and I'm allowed to be moved on," he said, noting that he plans to continue focusing on his religion.
His attorney, Peter Moses, told reporters that he is disappointed the judge did not reduce Skrepenak's sentence based on his status as a single father and his charitable work.
"I still contend that Mr. Skrepenak's charitable and civic participation in this community is unparalleled. It's extraordinary, and it's well beyond the norm of what the average member of society gives back," Moses said.
UPDATED AT 1:24 p.m.
SCRANTON - A federal judge rejected former Luzerne County commissioner Greg Skrepenak's plea for leniency, sentencing him to 24 months in prison for his guilty plea to a corruption charge.
U.S. District Judge Richard P. Conaboy acknowledged Skrepenak's charitable work and the impact the sentence would have on his family, but said he believed a period of incarceration was necessary due to the egregiousness of Skrepenak's crime.
"Your conduct has left a very bad blemish on all public servants in (Luzerne) County," Conaboy said. "It's the worst kind of violation of trust."
The sentence was at the low end of guideline range, which called for a sentence of 24 to 30 months. The guideline had previously been set at 33 to 41 months, but Skrepenak received a reduction based on motion filed by federal prosecutors.
Skrepenak pleaded guilty in January to corrupt receipt of a reward for official action. Federal prosecutors said he accepted $5,000 from a real estate developer as a reward for voting to include a housing project in the Tax Increment Financing Program, which allows developers to delay paying real estate taxes so that the money can be used to fund infrastructure.
Skrepenak had sought a further reduction, based on the fact he is a single father and his charitable contributions. But Conaboy rejected the request, stating he did not find those circumstances to be so extraordinary to warrant a reduction.
Addressing the court prior to the imposition of the sentence, Skrepenak apologized for his conduct.
"I stand before you today a battered, broken man," Skrepenak said. "I am so sorry I engaged in such acts . . . that compromised my core beliefs."
Several of Skrepenak's supporters, including his 11-year-old daughter, broke into tears as the sentence was announced. His father, Gregory Skrepenak Sr., reacted angrily and lashed out at some members of the media as he left the courtroom.
"Don't say a word or I'll knock you (expletive) head off," the senior Skrepenak said to WILK radio host Steve Corbett, who was in courtroom for sentencing.
Another woman, whose identity could not be immediately confirmed, also lashed out at Corbett, telling him "let us know when we can have you over for dinner."
For further updates check back with www.timesleader.com
FIRST REPORTED AT 1:10 p.m.
SCRANTON - Former Luzerne County commissioner Greg Skrepenak was sentenced today to 24 months and a $5,000 fine for accepting a kickback from a developer whom he helped gain acceptance into a tax forgiveness program. Upon release from prison, he will have three years of supervision.
Skrepenak, 40, of Jenkins Township, appeared before U.S. District Judge Richard P. Conaboy in Scranton.
Skrepenak pleaded guilty in January to corrupt receipt of a reward for official action. Federal prosecutors said he accepted $5,000 from a real estate developer as a reward for voting to include a housing project in the Tax Increment Financing Program, which allows developers to delay paying real estate taxes so that the money can be used to fund infrastructure.
Ping
For a 40 year old man he looks awful.
Is he a Baraqqi like Joe Paterno and the Steeler’s owner?
ping
Well, it obviously is not right to sell a vote for a personal gift. He should try to fairly represent the interests of all constituents. But the accepted practice of lobbyists donating to re-election campaigns sounds uncomfortably close to this. Why is one tolerated but not the other? The lobbyist’s contribution, after all, would spare the candidate having to put his own, say, $5000 into that pot.
I am a HUGE U of MI fan and it is sad that he has disgraced his alma mater. But then again, he’s a democrat so no surprise he’s corrupt.
The guy on the right looks like Joba The Hut in a suit!
Funny, but I couldn’t find any PARTY AFFILIATION in the article. No doubt an oversight on the part of the paper!
The guy with him is only 25
WILK’s Corbett: Skrep’s dad threatened me
Former NFL player and county commissioner Greg Skrepenak was sentenced today to 2 years in prison and a $5100 fine for his guilty plea in connection with the Luzerne County corruption scandal.
After the sentencing, as family left the courtroom, WILK’s Steve Corbett says Skrepenak’s father put his finger in his face and threatened him. “Don’t say a word...or I’ll knock your (expletive)ing head off”. Corbett says a U.S. prosecutor standing next to him said “Well that was a threat”.
Listen to WILK’s Corbett for more on what happened in the courtroom and call in with your thoughts on what happened.
http://www.wilknetwork.com/WILK-s-Corbett—Skrep-s-dad-threatened-me/7861048
Looks like there is not much to do in Scranton, save for eating...
The entire Skrepenak family ought to relocate to Chigago. They’d fit right in with the Obama and ACORN ilk.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.