Thread by @innercitypress

OK - now @SDNYLIVE the sentencing for money laundering of Zalmund Zirkind. He had asked to have the whole proceeding sealed; still, many of the sentencing submissions are redacted. Inner City Press has covered innercitypress.com/sdny23acotebom… and will live tweet - thread

Judge Cote: There is agreement that the sentencing guideline starts at 135 months. Probation recommends 60 months. The defendant wants probation, citing devotion to his family and friends. And other efforts he had made since his arrest... His brother got 4 years

AUSA: He watched his brother mount an unsuccessful defense, but continued to engage in the conduct. It shows his risk appetite. It is proof that imprisonment is necessary.

AUSA: His prior withdrawal last a few months, then he got back into entering people contracts to move money. I think he would do it again, absent specific deterrence. Also, I don't know the ins and outs of supervised release in Canada.

Judge Cote: I want to make sure the defense is aware of the whisper phones, so you can confer while still socially distanced.
Johanna Zapp: But for COVID, this courtroom would be full. But we understand.

Zapp: His motivation for committing these crimes, $85,000 over 2 years, was to take care of his daughter, who is autistic. The care is expensive. He felt he had no other option.
Judge Cote: That's not an acceptable reason.

Zapp: Your Honor, I'm a tough cookie. I spoke to him about it. The child has regressed, the school says she is too disruptive.

Zirkind himself: God has blessed me and my wife with children. By trying to make money I thought we need, I made things worse. I was wrong.

Judge Cote: I'm not able to grant the defendant's request how to structure a sentence. The question is the length of the sentence. The defendant's family is suffering, and has been for years. I have defendants who come before me from a variety of backgrounds...

Judge Cote: I'm going to impose on Mr. Zirkind a sentence of 84 months in prison, then 3 years supervised release.

Judge Cote: I order forfeiture in the amount of $87,000. I enter this sentence. I know of no grounds for appeal, given the plea agreement. But you have that right. Surrender date is February 26.
Lawyer requests Otisville. Judge Cote says, By region. Northeast.

Lawyer asks if Zirkind can travel to Montreal for 2 weeks.
Judge Cote: See if you can agree with the government. Normally I would not allow a defendant to leave the US.
Lawyer: We've asked the government, without success.
Judge Cote: I am denying it.
Story soon