By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
BBC - Guardian UK - Honduras - The Source
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Nov 16 – For Venezuela money laundering, Professor Bruce Bagley on June 1, 2020 pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
Inner City Press previously reported on the case and on June 1 live tweeted. Bagley was charged with laundering $3 million, through the UAE, believing it to be "derived from graft and corruption in connection with public works projects in Venezuela." Later, a link to Alex Saab.
On November 16, 2021 Bagley came up for sentencing and got six months in prison. Inner City Press live tweeted it here:
Bagley's lawyer: Doctor Bagley's relationship with "S," he didn't know about anything criminal. He was told by "B," I'll refer to him as "B," he become aware of corruption so he pled guilty.
Judge Rakoff: I must be getting on - I remember Doctor Bagley acknowledging these things at his plea proceeding. Do you want to withdraw your plea?
Bagley's lawyer: He thought of Saab as a legitimate businessman who, yes, was also involved in corrupt activities.
AUSA: We believe Mr. Bagley will be able to get medical treatment in the Bureau of Prisons. There is a need for general deterrence. This is a high profile case. This was not a crime of passion.
Bagley's lawyer: He's unable to void his bladder and it's unclear if ever will be able to. He is a very sick man. He didn't earn $200,000- he was on retainer. He was a consultant.
AUSA: He didn't provide any consulting services. Florida closed his business down.
Judge Rakoff: This debate is not material to the sentence I am to impose.
Bagley: I express my regret. (Cough, cough). About the choices I have made that could have contributed to harm (cough). I am an academic, trying to understand conditions in Latin America... I will make amends. Thank you.
Judge Rakoff: The guideline sentence of 46 months would be barbaric. But there is a need for some modest prison time, first for general deterrence. My sentence you to six months in prison.
In his change of plea proceeding there were 3 FBI agents. Bagley said, I am married for 52 years and I have two children.
Judge Rakoff: Have you been treated by a psychiatrist?
Bagley: No sir.
Bagley was only pleading guilty to Counts 2 and 3, in exchange for Count 1 being dropped. There is a plea agreement dated April 6. Judge Rakoff emphasizes it does not bind him.
Judge Rakoff said, You face a maximum of 40 years, and I have received a forfeiture order you have signed, correct?
Bagley: That is correct.
Judge Rakoff: Under the letter you have signed, the guideline is 46 to 57 months.
Bagley allocuted: In January 2019, I accepted a money transfer from Alex Saab. I transferred that to Jorge Luis Hernandez pursuant to their request, to disguise it. I should have understood it was unlawful.
The question arose: Is it enough for Bagley to say he should have known? ]] Judge Rakoff said, In Anglo-American law since 1215, unless Congress otherwise indicates, one has to know one is engaging in the elements of the crime. But it was smoothed over, and sentencing set for October 1.
The case is US v. Bagley, 19-cr-765 (Rakoff).
***
Your support means a lot. As little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here to become a patron.
