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The Tom Petters fraud case

Jerry Holt, Star Tribune

Tom Petters

Defense attorneys: Have mercy, Petters has tumor

Last update: March 08, 2010

Federal prosecutors on Monday said Wayzata businessman Tom Petters deserves 335 years in prison for his "staggering and unprecedented" investment fraud.

"A life sentence is wholly deserved and justified given the defendant's corrupting influence on individuals and institutions, and his strident refusal to accept any responsibility for the offenses and his conduct," the government said in a sentencing memorandum.

But Petters' defense attorneys pleaded for leniency and mercy, saying their client suffers from a tumor on his pituitary gland.

"The long-term prognosis for Mr. Petters' condition is bleak; he faces the risk of blindness," said defense attorney Paul Engh in court documents. "The tumor is not growing at the moment but cannot be ignored."

In December, Petters was convicted in U.S. District Court of 20 counts of fraud, money laundering and conspiracy for his role in running a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme that collapsed when one of his most trusted associates went to the government and confessed. His sentencing is scheduled for April 8.

The government based its 335-year life-sentence request on the number of victims, the fraud's effect on financial institutions, his role as organizer, the abuse of trust involved and obstruction of justice.

"The defendant's fraud is staggering and unprecedented in size and impact on victims and the community," prosecutors said. "Criminal abuse of power and wealth, such as that perpetrated in this case, must be met with the most significant punishment available."

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The Star Tribune's coverage of the federal fraud case against entrepreneur Tom Petters and the struggles of Petters-owned Sun Country Airlines.

Petters sentencing delayed until April 8

The Wayzata businessman to be sentenced April 8 in Ponzi scheme.

Petters sentencing delayed until March 15

Minnesota businessman Tom Petters' sentencing for orchestrating a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme has been rescheduled to March 15.

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