Thomas Butler, who was convicted in Federal Court in Lubbock for 47 criminal counts, was sentenced at around 1:30 p.m. today by Federal Judge Sam Cummings to two years in prison and a $15,000 fine!
Defense attorneys and prosecutors this morning have pleaded their cases: the government asking for high fines and prison time, the defense emphasizing his lifelong dedication to saving lives through medicine and requesting leniency.Cummings refused to levy the $750,000 restitution recommended in Butler's pre-sentencing report. Instead, Cummings found that the original estimated loss to Texas Tech was just over $288,000, and he credited the $250,000 that Butler has agreed to pay to Tech as part of his employment settlement with the university.
After a tearful plea from defense attorney Floyd Holder as well as emotional excerpts from letters of support, Cummings agreed to consider a lighter sentence than the range recommended by probation officers. Lubbockonline.
I have a feeling he won't appeal that ruling!
For more about that trial at this weblog see Lubbock Plague Trial - report, herein.
Wow, did he luck out.
Posted by: Allen | March 11, 2004 at 01:10 AM
Perhaps when he gets out he can help O.J. hunt for the real killer.
Posted by: George | March 11, 2004 at 02:07 PM
Perhaps you might read something other than the AJ?
Posted by: Sara | March 31, 2004 at 02:17 AM
The punishment should have been even severe. He doesn't deserve any kindness now.
Posted by: Susan | December 20, 2005 at 04:07 AM