Prosecutors, Defense Make Their Case In Sentencing Phase For Former WTIC Host, Governor John Rowland

Rowland

Prosecutors and the defense made their cases as former CONNECTICUT Governor and CBS RADIO News-Talk WTIC-A/HARTFORD talk show host JOHN ROWLAND's corruption case went to the sentencing phase last week.

The HARTFORD COURANT reports that the federal prosecutors' brief said that ROWLAND, who was convicted in SEPTEMBER (NET NEWS 9/22), "displayed great political talent alongside a troubling disrespect for the law.  He has repeatedly shown a willingness to manipulate the political process for his own personal benefit, undermining the fragile trust that binds citizens to each other and to their elected representatives."  The prosecutors are seeking to have ROWLAND sentenced to longer than the guidelines for his corruption conviction, looking for an enhancement of the standard 30-37 months to 37-46 months but saying that it would reserve the right to future additional enhancement due to his use of the WTIC show to promote LISA WILSON-FOLEY's campaign in violation of the law.  The brief read, "Although Mr. ROWLAND's use of his radio show was an egregious aspect of his conduct and certainly constituted an abuse of the public airwaves and a fraud on his audience, the Government is electing not to seek the two-level enhancement."

For his part, ROWLAND's attorneys are seeking less than what they say is an 18-24 month sentencing guideline, saying that the longer guideline proposed by the prosecution is based on misinformation and asking that the sentence acknowledge ROWLAND's "exemplary character" and allow him to "continue to help others and contribute to society."

Judge JANET BOND ATHERTON will rule on sentencing on JANUARY 7th.

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