by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 2 – Rolf Schnellmann, Daniel Wälchli and Zurich, Switzerland-based Allied Finance Trust AG were indicted in 2020 for conspiracy to defraud the US.
On September 29, 2023, Schnellmann was brought before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang after being extradited in from Italy.
Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag court. Thread
On October 12, Judge Gregory H. Woods held a conference, and set a next one for February 1: "Discovery has been produced. A status conference is scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
But on December 21, Schnellmann appeared again before Judge Woods, this time to plead guilty to a 24 to 30 month Guideline sentence. Sentencing was set far in the future: July 19, 2024.
On March 20, co-defendant Daniel Walchli filed a heavily redacted sentencing submission - including even in the table of contents, "Dani's Acceptance of Responsibility [REDACTED.] With that, he wants no jail time.
On March 26 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for 18 months, arguing that the six months recommended by Probation would "fail to serve the essential sentencing goals."
But on April 2, Walchli got time served: "Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Gregory H. Woods: Sentencing held on 4/2/2024 for Daniel Walchli (6) Count 1. Defendant Daniel Walchli (out on bail) present with attorneys [4]. Sentencing hearing held. The defendant is sentenced to Time Served. A special assessment fee of $100.00 is due immediately. A fine in the amount of $50,000.00 is ordered."
The overall case is US v. Bechtiger, 20-cr-497 (Woods)
More on Substack here
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