John Rogers, the former North Little Rock dealer in photographs and sports memorabilia, will be sentenced in federal court in Chicago today for defrauding people of millions in his business.
Arkansas Business reports that U.S. attorneys will ask for a 13-year prison sentence and an order to pay restitution of $23.6 million.
Rogers is expected to admit wrongdoing at his sentencing hearing today. His attorney also has cited a drug problem and bipolar disorder in explaining Rogers’ past actions.
His high-flying business was a subject of a cover story in the Times before his fraud was exposed.
UPDATE: Arkansas Business reports that federal Judge Thomas Durkin gave Rogers a 12-year sentence with three years probation for the wire fraud conviction. He’d been in custody since Nov. 20 when his bond was revoked. Rogers asked for a shorter sentence, arguing that it increased his ability to make restitution. The judge didn’t buy it.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin said he usually doesn’t see the need for additional deterrence in a case like this where a nonviolent, first-time offender stands before him who had reached a plea agreement and cooperated with the government.
“I see it here,” Durkin said, pointing out that Rogers committed his crime over years, violated his plea agreement and engaged in even more fraud. “Society needs to be protected from you.”
The judge also noted, “I don’t believe the crimes were based on addiction or mental condition. There was no other reason but greed.”