“We do not agree this was a crime of emotion. The fact that he was in a position to write the country’s laws … there is nobody in a better position to know not to lie to the FBI,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Nicholas during the hearing.
In their court filing on Monday, federal prosecutors wrote, “The Government believes that a sentence at the top end of the Guidelines range is necessary in order to satisfy the objectives of [the federal criminal code] and in particular to promote respect for the law, to provide just punishment for the offense, and to achieve general deterrence.”
Judge Broderick rejected Collins’ request for probation and told him, “You had a duty to meet and you betrayed that duty.” He sentenced Collins to 26 months in prison as he believed that the former lawmaker committed a serious crime and created a perception among investors that the financial markets are manipulated.
The judge also believed that it would be “highly unlikely” that the New York Republican will be a recidivist.” He also imposed a $200,000 fine against Collins.
