BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Lawyers for ex-U.S. congressman Chris Collins are now asking that he face no time behind bars when he's sentenced for insider trading charges.
They made a pre-sentence submission on Collins' behalf late Tuesday, saying he should not go to prison because of his contrition, advanced age and good charitable works. They further argued there's no chance he'll commit future crimes.
Several prominent Western New York business executives, along with politicians and family members, are also calling on a U.S. District Court judge to grant leniency to former NY-27 congressman Chris Collins ahead of his sentencing.
7 Eyewitness News has maintained multiple letters sent to U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick of the Southern District of New York between October and November, 2019 expressing their support.
I am asking you, Judge Broderick, to be merciful in your decision, taking into account all the pain and anguish our family and Chris has already endured over the past eighteen months.
I feel that jailing Chris, who is no threat to the public, would serve no useful purpose.
Chris took a leadership role to ensure the people's lives impacted were improved. I also have met and spent time with his family, and I can attest to the goodness and love of that unit.
It is clear that what Chris has done is horribly wrong and he must take responsibility for his actions. Yet, I hope that your honor will take into account all the good that he has done throughout his life as well as all the people that he has helped.
I respectfully urge your leniency as a person who learned first hand of Mr. Collins' devotion to his community and constituents, even his former competitors.
You can read all of the letters here:
Collins is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2020.
