“All of that is very much to your credit,” Judge Gorton told Knox, “but it does not excuse your conduct,” which he characterized as driven by avarice and greed.
While the possibility of further sentence reduction is uncertain, Knox has one year to self-report to prison. Upon his release, he faces a year of probation and a series of conditions, including a ban on any involvement in finance or stock market-related activities. Restitution, to be determined at a hearing next month, is also on the horizon.
Additionally, Knox has agreed to forfeit a staggering $10.9 million, further illustrating the magnitude of the “pump and dump” scheme he masterminded.
A Promise of Redemption
In a bid to make amends, Knox, who served in the military and is originally from Northern Ireland, has already committed to volunteer work as a first-responder in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. He has even undergone training to become a bike mechanic.
Knox’s attorney, Jason Benzaken, conveyed his client’s deep remorse, stating that Knox is “ashamed of himself for his decisions” and that he is committed to making up for the harm he caused to those who suffered as a result of his actions.
