Friday, August 22, 2008

Going, Going, Gons?

I'm on pins and needles today as I watch the press releases from the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, waiting to learn whether Gons Nachman has finally been sentenced.

The prosecution has asked for a sentence of 20 years, but according to Federal guidelines he should receive 9 to 11. He deserves to receive the full 20 years just for having the gall to present that 'when-in-Rome' argument for sentencing mitigation.

----- Update -----

The judge gave Gons the full 20 years imprisonment, plus 10 years of supervision after his release.

----- 2nd Update ------

Three comments were received (here) after the sentencing:

August 22, 2008 10:57 AM
Anonymous said...
It's ridiculous to imprison this Man as other Men have had a lot of Sex with these same 14 year olds


---

August 22, 2008 12:31 PM
Anonymous said...
Ex-US diplomat gets 20 years for child porn

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — An ex-U.S. diplomat who admitted having sex with teenage girls and taping the encounters while stationed in Brazil and the Congo has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Gons Nachman had sought leniency, claiming cultural differences in those countries made sex with teenage girls more acceptable.

But a judge gave the 42-year-old the maximum sentence and took the unusual step of ordering consecutive 10-year terms for the two counts on which he was convicted.

Nachman pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing child pornography after admitting he videotaped his sexual encounters while working as a consular officer. The case also included allegations that he pressured Brazilian visa applicants for sex, though he was not charged with that.


----

August 22, 2008 12:31 PM
Anonymous said...
I was at the sentencing hearing this morning as I had a matter after it. This was the first I have heard of this case but it was compelling nonetheless and it is no surprise that it has been tracked fervently.

Basically, the Judge did not buy any of those arguments as when you boil it down, Mr. Nachman had sex with a 14 year old. End of story

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I was at the hearing to find out more about the case being another govt employee. I am appalled of hearing the details of his abuse of position and the lame excuses to both charges. This was a clear and tight case for the prosecution. Kudos.