30 mins in to #Shkreli sentencing hearing. Attorney Ben Brafman is arguing govt's request for 15 years is inappropriate; says Shkreli "may be brilliant in certain matters," but "lacks certain social skills"
Brafman asks judge not to sentence Martin #Shkreli "because he's Martin Shkreli." She assures him his online media presence & "Daraprim pricing" are not issues for her in sentencing.
Brafman still going; read from letters in support of #Shkreli from fellow inmates at MDC saying Shkreli has been positive influence, teaching them and suggesting books, sending diapers & wipes to a new mother
"It just can't be 15 years!" Brafman tells judge in #Shkreli sentencing hearing, calling such a sentence "horrific" and "draconian," for "career criminals." "Forever: that's what 15 years suggests."
"We're going to be filing appeal," Brafman says at sentencing hearing, noting that may contribute to some of perception that #Shkreli hasn't expressed remorse. Says "Shkreli has had remorse smacked into his head every morning" in prison. Prosecutors speak next, then Shkreli.
Brafman concludes his argument on behalf of #Shkreli at sentencing hearing, after almost an hour. Govt prosecutors now speaking.
Govt prosecutors say at sentencing hearing that #Shkreli's fraud schemes took place over 5 years; "This is not an isolated lapse of judgement"
Govt prosecutors at #Shkreli sentencing: "This case is also about why Martin Shkreli stole money for his personal benefit." We've heard he didn't buy a fancy house, fancy cars, but it did benefit him. "What motivates Martin Shkreli is his own image."
Govt prosecutor at #Shkreli sentencing hearing: Shkreli "needs to be mythical, larger than life." Needs to be a "rags to riches story." "Bc he stole for his own benefit, he is not better than any other fraudster."
Govt prosecutor: Despite Brafman referring to him as a "kid," & that he had to be "babysat" in courthouse to behave per court's order, "Mr #Shkreli is not a child. He is about to turn 35 years old. He's a man who needs to take responsibility for his actions."
Govt prosecutor: "the public needs to be protected from Martin #Shkreli." 15-yr sentence is therefore "appropriate." Calls Shkreli "dangerous," says he "victimizes people," and that he "believes the end justifies the means"
Govt prosecutor addresses Brafman supposition that 15-yr sentence for #Shkreli means "the future of mankind, with regard to curing disease, hangs in the balance:" "15 years is not going to deprive the world of cures for multiple childhood diseases." Said Shkreli motivated by $.
Govt prosecutor: #Shkreli is "not somebody who is purely altruistic, here to save mankind." "He is not that person & it's an insult to the drs and scientists who have spent their whole lives trying to cure these diseases without trying to line their pockets in the process."
Govt rests by saying message must be sent with #Shkreli sentence. Shkreli now speaking.
#Shkreli starts by telling his family not to worry about them. Voice very grave, says he's embarrassed and ashamed about mistakes he made.
#Shkreli, his voice occasionally seeming to break: "I was never motivated by money. I was trying to grow my stature and reputation."
#Shkreli: I've learned. I'm not the same person I was during the MSMB era. I know right from wrong.
#Shkreli: "I still have work to do... I'm here bc of my gross, stupid negligent mistakes I made at MSMB. This woul dbe a good time to apologize to all the investors of MSMB." His voice breaking: "I'm terribly sorry I lost your trust. You deserve better."
#Shkreli: There was no government conspiracy to take down Martin Shkreli. I took down Martin Shkreli.
#Shkreli: This is my fault. I am not a victim here.
Judge delivers box of tissues to #Shkreli as he delivers statement through occasionally breaking voice.
#Shkreli: The people who wrote letters to support me know the real me. I know the real me. The govt doesn't know the real me.
#Shkreli: "The psychology report was a stunning revelation to me. I am receptive to help bc I dont want to let anyone down ever again."
#Shkreli: "There is so much more I want to do, and I will do it, the right way." Shkreli breaking down in tears as he says Brafman has mentored and advised him.
#Shkreli: "I owe it to him (Brafman) to not let him down." Experience of prison "has been a life-changing experience to me. Having the ability to help these inmates has been a silver lining for me."
#Shkreli: "Please give me a chance to show what I'm capable of." Finishes speaking.
#Shkreli sentence: 7 years w credit for time served.
