By: Mark Fitzgerald Declaring, "I am sorry for what I have done," a sad-looking David Radler was sentenced to 29 months in prison Friday, the result of his plea bargain with federal authorities in the looting of tens of millions of dollars from the publishing company of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"It is with a sense of sadness I address the court," said Radler clad in a dark business suit and white shirt that showed off his deep tan. "I'm 65-years old. I always tried to conduct my business in an honorable way that would not bring shame or embarrassment to my family."
In sentencing Radler, U.S. District Court Judge Amy J. St. Eve cited Radler's role as the star witness in the federal fraud conviction of former Hollinger International Chairman Conrad Black and three other top executives of the company now known as Sun-Times Media Group. She also noted that Radler has paid at least $61 million in restitution. "That goes a long way in my mind," she said.
Still St. Eve added, "You took a lot of money from Hollinger International at great expense to the company and its shareholders."
Under federal guidelines Radler could have received a sentence of 57 to 71 months. St. Eve agreed to Radler's attorney's request that he serve his prison time at Moshannon Valley Correctional Center in Philipsburg, Pa.
In addition to the prison sentence, Radler was fined $250,000 and will have to serve two years of supervision after his release. He is to report to prison on Feb. 25, 2008.
"I will live my life with this," Radler said. "I 'm sorry for the suffering of my family and others."
Radler admitted to looting $32 million and pled guilty in 2005 to a single count of mail fraud. Radler was the former publisher of the Sun-Times and Black's right-hand man.
Radler was one of the first witnesses against Black in a 15-week trial that began last March. While on the witness stand, an attorney for Black repeatedly accused Radler of being a "serial liar."
Black last week was sentenced to six and a half years of prison time on three counts of fraud and one count of obstruction of justice.
Radler and his attorney former federal prosecutor Anton Valukas refused to comment after the court session.
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