Decorated veteran gets a break at sentencing

The Reservist scored points for his military record and his remorse for trying to abduct his former girlfriend.

By DAN BROWNING, Star Tribune

Last update: April 9, 2008 - 10:39 PM

By all accounts, Timothy Pentaleri made quite an impression as a major in the Army Reserves. He apparently made an impression on U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson, too.

Magnuson decided Wednesday that the decorated veteran deserved a sizable break on his sentence for attempting to kidnap his ex-girlfriend last June at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Pentaleri, 43, of Belleville, Ill., pleaded guilty in December with the understanding that sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term of 7¼ to 9 years. He waived any appeals, providing the sentence didn't exceed that period.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald argued that although the guidelines are advisory, they are presumptively reasonable, so Pentaleri should be sentenced accordingly.

But defense attorney Joseph Tamburino argued that his client deserved recognition for his distinguished 22-year military career, genuine remorse, lack of a criminal record, and strong support from family, friends and colleagues.

Military records and letters from supporters describe Pentaleri as one of the top majors in his brigade, "a diplomatic genius" who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He was commended for saving the government millions of dollars in port fees by reducing shipping times to Iraq. The Army awarded him a Bronze Star in 2006.

Supporters wrote letters to Magnuson saying he must have suffered a "complete mental breakdown" when he came to the airport with an ill-conceived kidnap plan.

Pentaleri had lost his job overseeing transportation for the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan over an allegation that he had been stalking the woman.

As airport police approached Pentaleri, he ditched a wig, a fake mustache and goatee. Officers found weapons on him and a stolen Minnesota license plate on his SUV. In the vehicle was a large plastic liner, duct tape, plastic flex cuffs, rope and a shovel. He also had directions to an area near the woman's Minnesota home.

"I want to express my sincere remorse for both the act itself and its potential effect" on the woman, Pentaleri said in a letter to Magnuson. I don't think there are words to aptly describe the weight of my guilt and my sorrow."

He said it was a "sad irony" that someone who had defended his country "and the right of independent movement without fear or apprehension" would resort to such a crime.

Magnuson credited police and other law enforcement for averting a tragedy. He shaved 15 months from the bottom of Pentaleri's recommended prison term, ordering him to spend six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Dan Browning • 612-673-4493

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