[Hodar]

If this were 'Joe Average', I might consider some liency, however Martha Stewart is hardly an average person when it comes to trading. Martha Stewart was a licensed broker for over 20 years. Prior to appearing in public to face charges, she resigned her seat on the NYSE. Not only did she know better, she was in a position where getting insider information was a daily occurance; and knew she was legally and morally obligated to ignore it when it came to trading.

Martha was very foolish, she KNEW what she was doing was illegal, thus began covering her tracks immediately - even before the formal charges were made. This may only be the first time she's been caught; if you are willing to assume a person who did indeed do this (and had her day in court) NEVER contimplated doing the exact same thing for over 20 years. There is a distinct liklihood that this is just the first time she's been caught.

[Bonaparte]

She almost certainly did for others what Bocanovic did for her. When their appeals are exhausted, perhaps even before sentencing, one of them, probably Bocanovic, may roll over on the government tipster.

[Bonaparte]

And another thing -- this would be a good time for the SEC to thoroughly review the patterns in her trading behavior during the years she was working as a broker for others. (I know: Ain't gonna happen).

[cupcakes]

Well said Hodar. I didn't even know the rest of her background. Given that she was certainly more than aware that she could not act on insider trading. Any peon broker or trader knows that.

[nmh]

You know it! It bears repeating:

"If this were 'Joe Average', I might consider some liency, however Martha Stewart is hardly an average person when it comes to trading. Martha Stewart was a licensed broker for over 20 years. Prior to appearing in public to face charges, she resigned her seat on the NYSE. Not only did she know better, she was in a position where getting insider information was a daily occurance; and knew she was legally and morally obligated to ignore it when it came to trading."

"Martha was very foolish, she KNEW what she was doing was illegal, thus began covering her tracks immediately - even before the formal charges were made. This may only be the first time she's been caught; if you are willing to assume a person who did indeed do this (and had her day in court) NEVER contimplated doing the exact same thing for over 20 years. There is a distinct liklihood that this is just the first time she's been caught."