Roger Stone sentenced to 40 months in prison

Judge Amy Berman Jackson has sentenced Trump ally Roger Stone to 40 months in prison. He was convicted last year on seven charges of obstruction, lying to Congress and witness tampering.

Prosecutors initially asked for seven to nine years in prison — but Attorney General William Barr retracted that recommendation hours after Trump criticized it on Twitter for being too harsh.

Four prosecutors withdrew from the case in response to Barr's decision. Two new DC US Attorney's Office supervisors stepped up to handle Stone's sentencing, and a new sentencing memo was released asking for "far less" time.

Today, one of the new prosecutors said the Justice Department stands by the original sentencing memo and argued that "the court should impose a substantial period of incarceration" on Stone.

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US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson grew more intense with her speech as she shifted her focus to witness tampering. 

Jackson noted that Stone pressured witness Randy Credico not to speak about the updates Stone was sending to the campaign.

In April 2018, Stone wrote an email to Credico, saying, “You are a rat. A stoolie. You backstab your friends-run your mouth my lawyers are dying Rip you to shreds.” Stone also said he would “take that dog away from you.” 

She also acknowledged how Credico said Stone is a dog lover, which is "a good thing."

"Maybe today he just doesn't want to be the reason behind the tough sentence" Jackson mused about Credico.

US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson called Roger Stone an "insecure person" and said nothing about his case is "funny."

Stone's sentencing hearing is ongoing.

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US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson is addressing Roger Stone during his sentencing hearing — and she's doing all the way back to the very beginning of Stone’s case.

In her remarks, Jackson referenced 2016 when Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee. At the time, Stone was writing to his associate Jerome Corsi, saying, "Get to Assange," referring to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The judge highlighted Stone reaching out to Paul Manafort, saying he had an idea, to "save Trump's ass."

Stone, she said, made a statement about Assange, claiming he was in communication, and had a backchannel. At the time, Stone "was communicating with senior members of the Trump campaign," including Rick Gates and Steve Bannon, Jackson noted.

Jackson then summarized the House inquiry, including statements by Rep. Devin Nunes at the time as how it was looking at Russian influence in the election. The judge zeroed in on what Stone told the House committee on Sept. 26, 2017. Jackson said Stone claimed he only had one intermediary, letting them know it was Randy Credico. 

"It was all false," Jackson said, noting that Stone then pressured Credico not to testify.

During Jackson's remarks, Stone, wearing a navy, double breasted suit with a light blue shirt and matching blue tie, stood with his three lawyers, his hands in his pockets, slightly slouching. He shifted his weight as he listened. His three lawyers barely moved.

Judge Amy Berman Jackson said, “This case did not arise because Roger Stone was being pursued by his political enemies."

Stone's sentencing hearing is ongoing.

The sentencing hearing of Trump ally Roger Stone has resumed.

US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson returned to the courtroom and said, "Unsurprisingly, I have a lot to say."

Stone was convicted last year on seven charges of obstruction, lying to Congress and witness tampering. Earlier today at the hearing, prosecutors argued Stone should go to prison for "a substantial period."

Despite the drama over whether Stone should receive the seven to nine years in prison the original Stone prosecutors recommended, the new prosecutor wants Stone to go to jail.

John Crabb Jr. said he wanted to apologize to the court for the confusion the Justice Department has caused with respect to this sentencing.

“This confusion was not caused by the original trial team,” he said. “The original trial team had authorization to submit” the original sentencing memo.

What this is all about: The prosecutors who tried the case against Stone wrote a memo asking for seven to nine years in prison — but Attorney General William Barr retracted that recommendation hours after Trump criticized it on Twitter for being too harsh. The four original prosecutors withdrew from the case in response to Barr's decision. Two new DC US Attorney's Office supervisors stepped up to handle Stone's sentencing, and a new sentencing memo was released asking for "far less" time.

Today, Crabb said he stands by the original sentencing memo, adding, “It was done in good faith.” 

The Justice Department and US Attorney’s Office operate “without fear, favor or political influence. This prosecution is righteous.”

Crabb said he is not going to elaborate on who wrote the revised memo or say who directed him to write it, after the judge asked him directly. He would only say he signed the updated memo.

“The court will rely on its own sound judgment and experience,” Crabb said. “We have confidence the court will impose a just and fair sentence in this matter.”

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During his sentencing, Roger Stone told the judge, “Your honor, I choose not to speak at this time. Thank you very much.”

Stone's sentencing is ongoing.

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Roger Stone’s attorney, acknowledging that his client is known for his flamboyancy, asked the judge to go easy on him.

The sentence is “going to be imposed on a real person,” attorney Seth Ginsberg said.

“With these things in mind, that I ask the court to consider the full scope of the person who stands before you for sentencing” and not to look at things he said “during the heat of battle” of this case and trial,” Ginsberg said.