Here are some more details regarding the sentence
The sentencing was scheduled for 3 pm MT. It didn't take place until around 4:30. At the sentencing there were two women present (older and younger) one of them being a redhead (dyed). While they were said to be family members, it's unknown just who they were (for now). A few other people were also present.
Although it was not mentioned above, he will have to make restitution. Those who have asked for the monies to be returned to them will eventually receive their money. Those who have asked that their monies go to the intended recipients, that's where the monies will go. I don't know what happens to the rest of the monies. That's yet to be determined by the judge. He did arrive with some money (checks I'm told...let's hope they don't bounce!). The total amount he still owes is north of $100,000. I don't know what the payment plan is.
The Victim Impact Statements (approximately 50-60...this is considered a significant number) and personal letters that some sent were ALL read by the judge. They had a direct bearing on the sentencing. In fact, the judge read quite a bit of stuff in addition like forum posts I'm told. One of the things that struck the judge was just how Mark's actions destroyed an Internet community fracturing it into largely two camps. There was also great empathy for DW's situation with his daughter. In part it's the reason why he was not given straight jail time. The judge wants Mark to obtain and maintain gainful employment so that restitution can be made ASAP. Jail time would have delayed that. The other things the judge made note of was how she never thought she'd become so facile with high end audio! Note that these forum posts here and elsewhere are still being followed.
Two years of work release means that during the day, Mark is to go to work doing whatever that may be (community service too) and then return to the Boulder County Jail where he will spend the night. After the sentencing he was taken there and is where he is at this moment. You should be able to go to the Boulder County Sheriff's webpage and look up the daily booking report tomorrow and see his name. So Hugh, if you plan on visiting him when you attend the RMAF, weekends sound good. Just call the jail and get the particulars.
Up until this time he was out on bail. The money he had to put up, 10-15%, just gets turned over to the bondsman permanently. As a condition of bail he had to surrender his passport. I don't know if he also has to surrender it as a condition of the sentencing.
It would be tempting to find out where Mark is working at this time and inform the employer of his situation. However, to do so means that restitution may never take place. It's good to keep an eye on things but if he's flipping burgers or selling cars, I suggest that we let things like that go so that everyone can get what's owed them.
It can now be said that there was no immunity granted to anyone. At some point, Mark was interviewed at his place of employment by law officials who essentially caught him unawares. As near as I can determine, he took the fall for the whole thing and implicated no one else.
I don't know the conditions of probation. That will probably come out later. There will also be a new booking photo.
There are also various civil actions in progress or being contemplated against him. Perhaps as they proceed the parties in question will either tell about them or give permission to have them posted in the forums.
That's about it. Please join me for a symbolic toast with the beverage of your choice this evening. As we toast, please remember the detective who worked hard on this case gathering information as she deserves our thanks. Salud!
