The San Jose Mercury-News gives us a report that a judge pink slipped BALCO leak Troy Ellerman's plea bargain. The judge wants more out of Ellerman's hide that the 15 months he thought would be a good idea.
SAN FRANCISCO—A federal judge took the unusual step Thursday of rejecting a plea deal for an attorney who admitted leaking the grand jury testimony of elite athletes to two newspaper reporters.
Troy Ellerman's lawyer argued in court papers for a 15-month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to allowing two San Francisco Chronicle reporters to view transcripts of grand jury testimony from Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield and other athletes embroiled in the government's steroids investigation. Probation officers recommended 18 months.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White said both recommendations were too low and that, as a lawyer, Ellerman "should be held to a higher standard of conduct."
"The court hereby rejects the plea agreement and refuses to be bound thereby," White said.
Ellerman must now decide whether to withdraw his guilty plea and take the case to trial. He and his attorney, Scott Tedmon, declined comment as they left court after the hearing.
This puts things in a new perspective. If Ellerman decides to withdraw his guilty plea -- because he would like a fighting chance to avoid jail -- then a trial ensues. Just who might be called as witnesses, and why? What would Ellerman's defense be?
Ellerman, once a successful California attorney did not due himself a favor when he took on a BALCO defendant as a client. His life clearly went south after that. Why he became a leak to the Chronicle isn't known.
Victor Conte hired Ellerman after federal investigators raided his Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative in 2002. Ellerman later represented BALCO's vice president James Valente.
The attorney admitted that he allowed a San Francisco Chronicle reporter to view grand jury transcripts of testimony by professional athletes in the case, then lied about it under oath.
Ellerman blamed excessive drinking and drug abuse and the constant "hounding" of reporters in pleading for a reduced sentence of 15 months in prison.
"If he be with you then who be against you...." My life time (30 years) good friend Troy Ellerman is A Born Again Christian, Family man and no one can take his Love , Joy and peace away from him so I wish the folks out to get Troy would just dry up and blow away...Jesus Wins guys haven't ya read the back of the Book, all of this is happening for a reason and its all part of Gods master plan... He who is without sin, cast the first stone.....The lord knows how many hairs are on our heads... and this too shall pass.... God Bless You Troy Ellerman, We love you and always will no matter what some, evil, deomonic minded people try to say or do to try to destroy you. You will rise again just like Jesus and Job did and I for one will be there to say. Well done my good and faithfull servant of Jesus.....A true friend is one of Gods Greatest gifts, I am blessed to be a friend of Troy Ellermans,
Frankie
Posted by: frankie scofield | 11/19/2007 at 14:08
Ha I am still praying for Troy as the Lord has blessed him and will continue to bless him... He has the most faithfull loving family supporting him and for that I am truly gratefull.... I am looking forward to the day that we all get to have one of those fam picnics again, and laugh and sing.... Praise the Lord for friends like Troy...a true friend is Gods Greatest Gift.....God Bless you one and all.... frankie ....
Posted by: frankie scofield | 03/06/2008 at 20:32
I just stopped in to check out this webpag.I love your content & the way that you write.I would glad to see that you continue your informative work forever.
Posted by: christian louboutin online | 05/03/2012 at 07:46