Some notes on Langston sentencing
Personally, I think he’ll serve time. There are a lot of reasons I think so. First, I think the gravity of the offense demands it. Second, I think as a practical matter, there is the fact that his cooperation is continuing. The court can sentence him, and then, after the cooperation is done, entertain a motion to reduce the sentence (as Judge Biggers did with Sean Carothers). If I were Tony Farese, I would see the present posture of the case as an opportunity to reasonably see the court asked twice for benefit for the cooperation– now, and then again after it’s done.
So I’m guesing time, less 36 months, but substantially more than 12 and even probably more than 18. But I’m just guessing.
One remarkable part of the plea agreement: “The United States agrees not to charge the defendant with any other offenses, related or unrelated, as of the date of this Agreement.” Whatever Langston has been up to the United States (that’s the whole government) can’t pursue him over it. Compare this to what Patterson got: “This agreement does not bind any prosecuting authority of any state or any other federal district, nor does it bind the Attorney General of the United States with regard to any other matter, criminal or civil, involving federal tax laws.” (That’s far more usual language).
NMC
12/11/8
Magnolia Tribune
